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Easy Energy Saving Habits to Work On
03/26/2020
No one sets out to waste energy, but it's easy to do. To help you start saving energy and money, we’ve put together a list of quick tips you can start turning into everyday habits. Begin with one or two to make energy efficiency a part of your daily routine.
Turn the lights off in empty rooms
Leaving the lights on with no one in the room is one of the most common energy-wasting habits. Luckily, it’s easy to fix. By simply turning off lights when you leave a room, you’ll save energy and help your bulbs last longer. To save even more, install energy-efficient LEDs. They use 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs and last a lot longer.
Program your thermostat
Adjusting the temperature of your home at night or when you’re away is the most cost-effective way to save energy, but it’s easy to forget. Programmable thermostats optimize savings by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. By properly setting your programmable thermostat, you can save up to $180, according to ENERGY STAR®. Today’s smart models provide advanced features, such as remote control and self-programming.
Turn off the TV before going to bed
It’s easy to do. You’re relaxing and watching your favorite show. Suddenly, it’s 3 a.m., and you wake to an infomercial about the latest amazing home exercise machine. Older sets use up to 400 watts of power, so all that late-night TV can result in prime-time energy waste. Click the off button if you’re feeling drowsy. If late-night watching is part of your regular routine, upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® TV. These models use less energy than standard sets while still providing a great viewing (or sleeping) experience.
Take shorter showers
Did you know that standard showerheads use 2.5 to 3 gallons per minute (gpm)? Just think of all the water and energy those 20-minute showers are sending down the drain. Everyone likes a hot shower, but keep it to 10 minutes or less. Also, install WaterSense® labeled showerheads. They use 2 gpm or less, saving you even more water and energy.
Open the refrigerator with a plan
The time you spend deciding between lunch meat and leftover pizza can cost you cold cash. Every year, the average person spends about 10 hours looking at an open refrigerator or freezer, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. That’s a lot of time for cold air to escape, making your fridge work harder. Decide what you want ahead of time, and then open and close the door quickly.
Fill up that dishwasher or clothes washer
Operating your dishwasher or clothes washer with just a few dishes or a small amount of clothes may sometimes be convenient, but it’s a big waste of energy. Wait until your appliance is fully loaded according to manufacturer’s guidelines before you flip the switch. Your clothes or dishes will be fully cleaned, and you’ll save energy and water.
Charge smarter not longer
Your phone will never go higher than 100%, but the charger will go on wasting energy. Unplug chargers when they’re not charging anything. Many electronic devices in your home, such as TVs and game consoles, continue to use power even when they’re turned off. Plug smarter with advanced power strips, which automatically shut off power to devices that aren’t in use.
Did you know that Entergy offers energy efficiency programs designed to help customers conserve both energy and money? Learn more about what's available in your area.
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