NO-COST TIPS TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

Looking for ways to save on your energy bill? Check out these energy tips that don’t cost you a thing.

​1. Talk with your family, friends and neighbors to find out how they conserve energy. This can help you identify additional things you can do in your home to save. You may discover hidden energy costs, figure out how to eliminate them and learn from each other's good habits.

2. If you have a second refrigerator, unplug it when it’s not in use. (Save up to $155/year)An older refrigerator uses nearly twice as much energy as new efficient models. You pay more to run your spare, older appliance than your primary one in the kitchen. If you only need the extra space around the holidays or you're a renter and can't recycle the landlord's refrigerator, simply unplug it when you don't need it.

3. Turn your computer off at night or if you won’t use it for two or more hours. (Save up to $65/year)Turning off your computer at night could save you up to a third of its energy costs, depending on your use and power management settings. It’s good to give your computer a rest, some software updates require computers to shut down and the fan is more likely to wear out on a machine that continually runs. Shutting a computer down also clears its memory so it may run faster the next time you turn it on. Turn off other home office equipment for greater savings. Plugging all devices into a smart power strip makes this easy.

4. Unplug electronics when they’re not in use. (Save up to $100/year)Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they are turned off. By unplugging devices and chargers when they are not in use, you can avoid paying for this extra energy.Products that waste electricity like this are known as "vampire devices." Examples include televisions, coffee makers, microwaves, cell phone and battery chargers and video game systems. Many vampire devices have rectangular adapter boxes on their plugs. Plug adapters stay warm to the touch even when the connected device is off – a sign that it is a continuous energy user.

5. Make it a habit to turn off lights when you leave a room. (Save up to $50/year)In an average home, lighting accounts for nearly 9% of electricity costs. Turning lights off when you're not in the room is a simple way for you to make a dent in your utility bill. Before you go to sleep, walk through your home and shut off any forgotten lights. To help get into the habit, try leaving eye-catching reminders near your lights and doorways. Encourage family members to turn off their lights as well. This is a great way for young children to do their part to save energy.