Energy efficiency protects our environment and saves money at the same time. Being an energy-efficient consumer reduces the use of oil, natural gas and coal resources and decreases the pollution and harmful emissions that occur during energy production and use. Conventional power production uses large amounts of water so using less energy means saving water too. Find out how you can use less energy, promote renewable energy and save money.
UNPLUG YOUR VAMPIRE ELECTRONICS
- TV’s, computers, computer and phone chargers, cable boxes, VCR’s and CD players use energy even when they are turned off if they are still plugged in.
- Unplugging these devices when they are not in use or connecting them to a power strip with a rocker switch that can easily be turned off saves electricity and money.
BE ENERGY EFFICIENT IN YOUR HOME
- Turn off lights that you are not using.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs.
- If using CFL bulbs, dispose of them properly.
- Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors for outdoor lighting.
- Run your dishwasher without the drying cycle.
- Check out these home energy efficiency guidelines.
BE ENERGY EFFICIENT IN YOUR LAUNDRY ROOM
- Choose an efficient front loading washer.
- Choose cold water rather than warm or hot for your laundry.
- Choose a dryer with a sensor that stops the cycle when clothes are dry.
- Only run your washing machine and dryer with full loads.
- Hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer.
HEAT AND COOL YOUR HOME EFFICIENTLY
- Maintain your heating and air conditioning systems regularly so that they operate as efficiently as possible.
- Insulate your house properly so that you get the optimum heating and cooling from your system. Check out home energy efficiency guidelines.
- Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature when you are not at home.
- Install ceiling fans to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
THINK ABOUT YOUR WATER USE
- Reduce your water use to save the energy used to treat and transport water to your home.
- Set your water heater to a lower temperature setting and insulate your water heater properly.
- Only run your dishwasher with full loads.
MAKE SMART DECISIONS WHEN PURCHASING LARGE APPLIANCES
- Replace older appliances such as refrigerators, furnaces, water heaters and air conditioning systems.
- Look for Energy Star Appliances to insure that you are purchasing an efficient appliance. For more information see www.energystar.gov.
- Rethink that second refrigerator or freezer. Did you put keep your old unit as a back up when you upgraded? Could you do without it? Or unplug it in between parties or holidays? Or share with a neighbor?
CONSIDER SOLAR ENERGY FOR YOUR HOME
- Solar thermal systems to heat water are very cost-effective.
- Solar electric (photovoltaic) systems help reduce your carbon footprint and you can sell back any excess electricity you produce.
- Visit the Illinois Solar Energy Association website.
- Learn about installing solar systems in Wilmette. Wilmette Solar Power Guide
- Join Wilmette’s Solar Team to help promote the use of solar energy in our community. Please contact us.
