Turn off the lights when not in use!

A tried and true method to reduce electric usage. Lights, regardless of whether they are LED, CFL, Fluorescent, Halogen, or Incandescent, can suck up a lot of energy.

Adjust TV settings.

TVs use a large amount of electricity. Setting sleep timers, auto-shutoff, and enabling power-saving modes helps eliminate wasteful energy use.

Adjust PC settings.

Computers also use a large amount of electricity.  There are many features embedded in computers regardless of the Operating System, that allow for energy use to be adjusted. Locate the power saving mode to adjust the sleep timers, adjust the graphics card settings, and ensure the monitor shuts off automatically when the computer turns off.

Be wary of phantom power use.

Many electronics, whether it be a cell phone or laptop charging cord, or even small kitchen appliances use energy when not in use.  Connecting these items to a surge protector, and switching it off when not in use, can help eliminate phantom power use.

Use cold water cycles.

Most modern detergent is engineered to clean effectively with cold water. Running electric washers on shorter, cold water cycles dramatically reduces energy consumption.

Adjust dryer settings

Running electric dryers at lower heat and cleaning the lint trap regularly is an easy way to reduce electric consumption.

Report appliance issues to maintenance.

Whether it’s a worn refrigerator door seal, or an issue with a stove heating element; reporting and repairing appliance issues can ensure appliances are running as efficiently as possible.