Unplug Your Electronics

Most of us have a variety of appliances that we leave plugged in even when we are not using them. More specifically, electronics such as lap top computers and cell phone chargers can use up a lot of energy just by being plugged in. By simply unplugging these items while they are not in use you can save a lot on your energy bill.

Replace Your Light Bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs use much less energy than regular light bulbs. These light bulbs do not differ in purchasing cost from regular light bulbs yet they can save you up to 75% on your yearly lighting costs.

Save Water

Water heating costs make up a large portion of your energy bill. There are small changes that can be made that will help you save on your energy bill such as installing low-flow faucets and shower heads.

Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances

Any Energy Star appliance is designed to make the most of your energy. These appliances are up to 40% more energy efficient than standard appliances and can help you save a ton on your energy bill.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees during cold weather and not turning your air conditioning up quite so high during hot weather can make a huge difference on your heating and cooling costs.

Adjust Your Water Heater

By simply turning down the thermostat on your water heater you can save on your energy bills as the water heater comprises up to 15% of your home energy bill.

Turn Off Your Lights

As simple as it sounds, turning off lights when they are not in use can save a lot of energy. So try and remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room and you are bound to see a difference in your energy bill.

Insulate and Seal Your Home

Making sure that your home is properly sealed and insulated can save a lot of energy. If you have older windows that may have leaks it might be a good idea to get them repaired or replaced to ensure the heat or cool air is not escaping from your home. Also, if you have additional leaks in your home, adding some extra insulation to those areas will help as well.

Fully Load Up Your Dishwasher

Make sure that when you run your dishwasher you have a full load. If you only have a few dishes, wash them by hand or wait until you have enough dishes to do a full load in order to limit your energy use.

Use Cold Water to Wash Clothes

A huge amount of the energy used to wash a load of laundry is used by heating the water. When you can, wash your clothes in cold water to save energy. There are also a number of detergents that are designed for washing clothes in cold water that can help make the most of your energy.

Energy Meetings

Have a meeting with employees or fellow coworkers and discuss ways that you can save energy at the office.

Turn Off Office Lights

When the office is closed and everyone leaves for the day make sure that all the lights are turned off. This will allow for big energy savings for the company.

Adjust the Lighting

Adjust your lighting at the office. If you have overhead lighting as well as additional floor or desk lamps, either turn of the lamps and use the overhead lighting or just use the lamps to save energy.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat at the office. A programmable thermostat is relatively inexpensive and can help to maintain a steady office temperature as well as help regulated and save on the office energy bill.

Maintain Office Temperature

Try not to change the temperature of the office too much. Try to keep the temperature at approximately 72 degrees during the colder months and turn the air conditioning to approximately 75 degrees in the warmer months.

Energy Efficient Computers

When new computers are being purchased for the office make sure that they are energy efficient computers. This will allow you to update you equipment as well as save on your energy costs.

Lap Tops

Lap tops use much less energy than standard computers; up to 80%. If possible have employees use lap tops. They take up less space and also save a ton of energy.

Decrease Computer Power Level

Most computers have an optional setting in which you can adjust the power level and screen brightness of your computer by turning down the brightness of your screen. You can save up to 90% of the regular energy consumption of your computer.

Clean Your Bulbs

Make sure that your office lamps and light bulbs are clean and free of dust. By doing this you will allow the bulbs to work at optimal capacity and reduce your energy needs.

Install Motion-detector Switches

By installing motion detector switches in rooms that do not always require lighting you can save a lot of energy at the office. Rooms such as the bathroom, kitchen are and storage rooms would benefit from such switches.