Cooking

	Use microwave to defrost, re-heat, and cook small meals instead of oven.
	Don't block microwave vents.
	Turn off coffee machines when not in use and use small appliances for small tasks, such as a toaster instead of an oven.
	Make sure the seals in the oven fit properly.
	Keep lids on pots when cooking.  While baking, do not open the oven; consider using the light instead.
	Keep microwaves and ovens clean and maintained to work efficiently.

Washing Dishes

	Run dishwashers when full and use economy cycle for everyday washing.
	Instead of using the heat drying cycle, use the air drying cycle.  OR, stop the dishwasher, open the door and let dishes dry naturally.
	Use cold water to rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher
	Wash dishes in the sink where possible.

Refrigerators and Freezers

	Get rid of old refrigerators!  They use twice the energy as new Energy Star® models.
	Clean condenser coils twice a year.  Unplug the refrigerator, pull it away from the wall, and vacuum all dust, pet hair, etc. from the coils.
	Keep refrigerators full but not overcrowded.
	Keep refrigerator door closed as much as possible.
	Always make sure the door is shut tightly and is properly sealed.
	Set the refrigerator temperature between 36 and 40°F and the freezer between 0 and 5°F.  Leave an adequate gap around the outside and behind the unit to ensure that air circulates freely.
	Defrost the refrigerator when ice gets to ¼-inch thick.

Laundry

	Only run the clothes washer and dryer when fully loaded.
	When possible, use cold water to wash clothes.
	Spin clothes thoroughly before drying.
	Clean the clothes dryer filter after each load.
	Do not over-dry clothes; use minimum time necessary to dry them.
	Dry lighter items together and heavy items together.
	Consider using a clothesline instead of a dryer.

Lighting

	Replace incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).  CFLs use 75% less energy and last 8 to 10 times longer making them worth the extra up-front cost.  Use CFLs appropriately.  Place them in fixtures that remain on for at least three continuous hours daily. Special CFLs are required to operate with dimmers or 3-way switches.
	Turn off lights when day lighting is adequate.
	Leave on minimal lighting necessary for safety when you are away.
	Consider three-way lamps and dimming switches.  This will make it easier to keep lighting levels low when brighter lights are not necessary.
	Use one large wattage lamp rather than two small ones.  Example: use one 100 Watt bulb rather than two 60 Watt.
	Use task lighting (table and desktop lamps) instead of room lighting.
	Keep light fixtures, shades and bulbs clean!
	Consider installing occupancy sensors that turn lights on and off automatically.
	Use photocells or timers with outdoor lights so lights are only on at night.

Air Conditioning

	When away from home or work, set the thermostat to 85°F.  When home, set it at       76 to78°F, health permitting.
	Turn off central air conditioning 30 minutes before leaving your home.
	Consider using ceiling or portable fans to circulate and cool the air.
	Open windows and shades during the evening when it's cooler.  Use blinds, shades, and awnings to keep the heat out during the day.
	Turn off lights, TVs and computers when they are not in use.  They generate heat making air conditioning work harder!
	Do not place lamps or TV sets near your air conditioning thermostat.
	Close off unoccupied rooms and close their air conditioning vents; turn off room air conditioners in unoccupied rooms.
	Clean or replace air conditioner filters regularly
	Keep outside air conditioning units free from leaves that may clog vents.
	Insulate the attic, outside walls, floors, and ducts.  Seal cracks with caulking and weather strip around windows and doors.
	Consider installing a fan in the attic for adequate ventilation.
	Choose air conditioning units with programmable thermostats.

Water Heater

	Wrap insulation around outside and long-run hot water pipes.
	Match water heater size to your needs and set the temperature at 120°F or 140°F if you have a dishwasher.
	Turn thermostat down to minimum when away for more than two days.

Pools and Spas

	Run your pool pump after 7p.m and turn it off before 10a.m.
	Check with your pool supply advisor on how long to run your pool pump daily.  Don't run it any longer than necessary.
	Use a timer to operate the filter pump.
	Use a wall brush and leaf skimmer frequently and follow a regular program of preventative maintenance.
	Use a cover or blanket on pools and spas when they are not in use.
	Set the heater at 78°F or lower.
	Consider using solar heating as an alternate source.