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Energy Saving Tips

Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lamps. You can save 30-40 percent of lighting costs.

Use ceiling fans or portable fans instead of air conditioning to circulate the air if possible.

Adequate ambient light from a main source can save energy better than using all lights in the office.

Reduce energy costs by closing off rooms not used or occupied.

Inspect and clean off light bulbs, covers and lampshades of dust and other debris. This can reduce light by as much as 10 percent. Materials near a bulb's heat can be a safety hazard.

Energy Saving Projects

Inspect and clean off your air conditioning coils. Dirt and other buildups cut AC efficiency.

Light colors are an excellent source of energy savings. Use of light color paints allows more light from outside and saves on electricity.

Replace single-glazed windows with double-glazed low-emissivity windows.

Use R-30 insulation for attics. Insulation maintains comfortable temperatures in the home or office.

Seal and caulk cracks, major air leaks around doors, windows, and plumbing fixtures.

Consider professional advice. Some utility companies conduct energy audits free of charge or for a nominal fee. A professional contractor can advise you on how to save energy and suggest ways of reducing your utility bills.

The Residential Energy-Efficiency Contractor Program offers cash incentives for you to get your home's heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system energy efficient. Check with your local utility company.

For more energy saving information/tips contact:

California Energy Commission
Sacramento916 654-4287

Renewable & Consumer Energy
Efficiency Information
Sacramento 800 555-7794
Or916 654-4058

www.energy.ca.gov

California Public Utilities Commission
San Francisco 415 703-2782
Public Advisor's
Office
866-849-8390

www.cpuc.ca.gov

U.S. Department of Energy
Washington, DC 202 586-5000
www.energy.gov

Or your local utility company.

Conserving Energy

Is important to everyone in California. Not only does energy conservation save consumers and businesses money, it saves precious resources for future use. As more people move to the Golden State, the need for energy will only increase.

Saving energy is much easier than many people think. Insulating homes, changing to double-pane windows, replacing older appliances, and lowering or raising the setting on your thermostat just a few degrees can all have a significant impact on energy usage. By making a few energy-efficient improvements you can lower your utility bills, help the economy, and promote a cleaner environment for everyone.

Here are some of the many energy saving tips available:

The Home

Cooling the home with fans rather than central air is more energy efficient and cheaper. They move air through the house, dissipating the heat overhead. They are most effective in the evening hours when the outside air is cooler.

Setting your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher during the warm months can save between 10-20 percent on cooling costs. If you're away, set it higher (85 degrees or more).

Keep the TV set and lamps away from your AC thermostats. The heat they generate can throw them off and give improper readings.

Shading the outside portion of your air conditioning unit with bushes, shrubs, and trees can save up to 10 percent in electricity. Units work harder when exposed to the sun. Do not block the airflow. Keeping the refrigerator out of direct sunlight saves energy as well.

During the cooler months, set your thermostat at 68 degrees or less.

Small and medium cooking jobs can be done in the microwave oven more efficiently than a conventional oven or range.

Most refrigerators are set between 38 and 42 degrees. Freezers are between 0 and 5 degrees. Inspect the condenser coils for dirt, dust, pet hair, etc. They are usually found at the bottom backside of the unit.

When buying new appliances, heating and cooling units, and computers, look for the Energy Star label. You can save as much as 40 percent on energy costs, according to the EPA.

Wash full loads and air-dry dishes on the energy-save setting.

Shower instead of taking a bath. On average, the bath uses twice as much hot water as a five-minute shower.

Consider hanging your laundry to dry outside instead of using the dryer.

Use lower wattage light bulbs or compact fluorescent bulbs to save electricity.

The Business

Fax and copy only when really necessary. Do either in batches so using the machines is not constant.

Take the stairs and not the elevator if possible. You'll save energy and get some exercise as well.