DOING YOUR SHARE

here are many ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. The “mix and match” choices are yours: 

You can invest in the latest energy-efficient technologies and products, make basic home improvements, and/or practice energy-saving habits. Here is a brief checklist to see how you are doing. Use it to assess how Power$mart and Energy Conscious you are and to set some goals for you and your family.

Power$mart

Already In Place

Household Goal

Date Achieved

Energy-Efficient Technologies
1. Energy Star-labeled products: top consideration in new or replacement product purchases for your home       
2. double-pane windows with low-e coatings       
3. programmable thermostat       
4. high-efficiency furnace/air conditioner or heat pump       
5. compact and other fluorescent light bulbs       
6. motion sensors or timers for security lights       
7. energy-efficient refrigerator       
8. low-flow shower head       
9. dishwasher with energy-efficiency setting      
10. clothes dryer with moisture sensor       
11. certified Energy Star Home       
12. Energy Star home office equipment and electronics       
13. high-mileage car       

Power$mart

Already In Place

Household Goal

Date Achieved

Energy Conscious Home Improvements
1. insulate attic, exterior walls, and crawl spaces       
2. caulk between window/door frames and walls       
3. weatherstrip windows and doors       
4. add storm windows or use plastic film kits to improve single-pane windows       
5. insulate hot water heater       
6. replace dangerous, inefficient halogen torchiere lamp with Energy Star torchiere       
7. plant trees to shelter your home from the elements       
8. obtain a home energy rating and get an energy-efficient mortgage to finance upgrades       

Power$mart

Already In Place

Household Goal

Date Achieved

Energy Conscious Behaviors
1. clean furnace and air conditioner filters       
2. turn off lights when you leave a room       
3. use sunlight for light or heat whenever practical       
4. match pot size to burner size and keep the lid on it       
5. set hot water heater no higher than 120o F       
6. do laundry in cold or warm water       
7. use computer Energy Star sleep feature and turn off office and other equipment when not in use for some time       
8. keep your car tuned up and its tires properly inflated