LIST: Stay-at-Home Tips to Save Energy

Take advantage of natural light: Open drapes or blinds in your home to let in sunlight during the day. Move to where natural light is strongest instead of turning on overhead lights or lamps. Pro tip: Natural light is known to boost mood and productivity.

Set your computer for energy savings: Most computers have built-in settings for saving energy to automatically lower power consumption when not in use. Using “sleep” settings can save on your electricity bill. Pro tip: You can use a power monitor, these devices show which items use the most electricity.

Try fans or open windows instead of AC: Office equipment and more people at home can make cooling devices work harder to bring room temperatures down. Try creating a cross-breeze by opening windows and use fans where possible. Pro tip: If you have to use AC, use the energy saver mode and set the temperature to what’s comfortable but not cold.

Minimize your gadgets: Unplug devices and appliances you’re not using or use an advanced power strip. Standby modes can sap “vampire” or “phantom” or energy. Pro tip: Use advanced power strip to make sure electronics and other items not in use are truly shut off.

Light the area instead of whole room:  If you need more light to work, use a desk lamp instead of whole room lighting. Placement of lamps near mirrors or in corners where adjoining walls can also magnify the light, spreading more brightness with fewer bulbs. Pro tip: LED bulbs emit less heat than incandescent bulbs while working.