Resolve to Make Your New Year An Energy Efficient One

Looking for a different type of resolution to adopt for the New Year? Consider taking a pledge to become more energy efficient. It can help you as well as the planet.

Becoming more energy efficient means doing what you are already doing, but using less energy to do it. Whether it's heating, cooling or lighting your home, cooking dinner, watching TV, or surfing the Web, you can do each of these tasks with less energy than ever before.

One way to become more energy efficient is by choosing a product certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an "Energy Star" product when you are shopping for new appliances, lights, computer, or a home entertainment system. Energy Star products give you the same performance but use less energy than their conventional counterparts. In 2007 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $16 billion on their energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million vehicles.

Another way to make your home more energy efficient is by contacting your electric company. America's electric companies have many ways to help you use electricity more efficiently. For one, they have free, expert advice. And, oftentimes, they have a variety of programs to help you make your home more energy efficient. These programs can include:

Online energy surveys that can help you find out where your home might be wasting electricity.
Financial incentives, such as cash rebates, for buying energy-efficient appliances and improving your home's insulation.
And special assistance for families who need help paying their bills.

To help you get your new resolution off the ground, the nation's electric companies offer you the following ten energy-saving tips. These are easy, cost little or nothing, and you can get started today. For more information, contact your electric company via their phone or Web site, or visit www.getenergyactive.org.

New Year's Energy-Efficiency Resolutions

Give your home's heating and/or cooling system a tune up this year, especially if it's been more than two years since the last one.
Clean or change the heating/cooling system's filter every month.
Install a programmable or "set back" thermostat. This type of thermostat can automatically raise or lower your home's temperature, for maximum comfort and energy efficiency.
Insulate your home to the levels recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy's Zip Code Insulation Calculator.
Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees-check it with a thermometer underneath a faucet.
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes, and use cold water.
If you're considering a major new appliance, buy one that has earned the EPA's Energy Star label.
Make it a habit to turn off lights and appliances when no one is using them.
Install compact fluorescent light bulbs in fixtures that are on more than two hours a day.