Save money

Conserving electricity is simple to do. And it saves you money. Here’s how.

Quick Tips

Appliances

Hold off on running the washer until you have a full load of laundry.

Electronics

Avoid using screen savers on your computers. They cause monitors to consume the same amount of power as when they are running normally.

Electronics

Turn on your TV’s power-saving mode. Most new TVs have one that can be activated by the user.

Appliances

Fill the dryer before use, but don't overfill as that can lengthen drying time.

Lighting

For work that needs good light, install task lighting close to the job.

Appliances

Consider getting rid of your second fridge or freezer. An older fridge could be costing you up to $100 in electricity each year.

Appliances

If you use your dryer, throw a dry towel in with the load to speed up drying time.

Appliances

Only buy what you need and will use – think twice about that wine chiller or lava lamp.

Electronics

Purchase an ENERGY STAR® certified TV. ENERGY STAR® TVs reduce the amount of standby power while in off mode and use up to 40 percent less energy when on.

Lighting

Use low-energy night lights.

Appliances

Match the stove burner to the size of your pot and use a lid to conserve heat.

Appliances

Always keep your appliances well maintained for highest efficiency.

Lighting

Keep shades, light covers and bulbs clean to get the most out of your lights.

Appliances

Allow hot foods to cool before placing them in the fridge or freezer. Adding hot foods will make your appliance work harder and use more electricity to cool the space.

Appliances

Don’t place your fridge or freezer where the temperature is high, such as a sunny area or close to the stove or dishwasher. It will have to work harder and use more electricity to stay cold.

Appliances

Clean the lint trap after each dryer load and check the outside vent regularly for maximum efficiency.

Appliances

Arrange food to allow for air to flow throughout your fridge.

Appliances

Wait until there’s a full load before running the dishwasher, and use the air-dry cycle.

Appliances

Unplug appliances when you can; i.e. a single-cup coffee maker is like a small hot water tank. When plugged in all the time, it can contribute up to $10 a month to your electricity bill.