Small Changes Can Have a Big Impact

April 22 is Earth Day. Consider making an Earth Day resolution to change at least one energy-related bad habit at home.

Here are some ideas:

If you haven’t already, switch your lamps and other light fixtures to LED versions.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room and teach your children to do the same.

Unplug appliances like the TV and your computer when you’re not using them. Appliances that are turned off but still plugged in draw small amounts of electricity. Using a power strip for clusters of components can help you turn everything off at once.

Take shorter showers. You’ll save water and energy since the water heater won’t have to work as hard.

Use window shades, opening them in winter and closing them in summer.

Set your programmable thermostat correctly to save up to 10% on heating and cooling bills.

Change air conditioning filters regularly so that your system doesn’t have to work as hard to operate properly.

Wash clothes in cold water and line dry them.

Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees and wrap the tank in an insulating blanket.