Plug Into Savings
Simple changes in your daily routine can reduce the amount of electricity you use at home and increase your savings.
![TV](/sites/default/files/inline-images/TV_700px.jpg)
TV Time
The TV you choose - and how you use it - determines how much energy it consumes. If you’re concerned about how much energy your TV uses, consider buying a smaller TV or an LED TV that uses less power or watch less.
Use & Care
- Use a surge protector to completely turn off electronics when not in use
- Reducing your TV’s light output may reduce energy use by up to 50%
- Find tips to cut down on “phantom” energy use on our small electronics & appliances page
Buyers Guide
- LCD technology uses only a fraction of the energy of a plasma TV
- The most efficient TVs are LED LCDs that let you adjust backlight up or down
- Get a model with an energy saver mode, and remember to manually set it when you get your TV home
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Computing Energy Use
Improve computer efficiency by powering down and avoiding “phantom” energy use. Consider upgrading to a flat panel LCD monitor, lower the brightness, and upgrade your video card. A more powerful video card is more efficient.
Use & Care
- Turn your computer off at night to save energy
- Use a surge protector with all electronics and turn it off at night
- Enable the power management options on your electronics
Buyers Guide
- Select desktop and laptop models with solid-state hard drives
- If you use a monitor, upgrade to an LCD screen, which uses only a fraction of the energy of older models
- Consolidate your office equipment into a single low-speed Multifunction Machine (MFM) to save energy, money and space
![PowerPlug](/sites/default/files/inline-images/PowerPlug_700px.jpg)
Stop Energy Thieves
Reduce the energy load of your small electronics and appliances. Get into the habit and follow this mantra: turn it off, unplug it, optimize settings measure your use with a monitor/meter, and save.
Buyers Guide
- Unplug cell phones, blenders and electric toothbrushes when not in use
- Consider smart power strips that automatically turn off electronics when they have not been active for a while
- For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips Page
Get Enlightened About Efficiency
From upgrading your bulbs to opening the blinds, there’s a wide range of energy-efficient options for home lighting.
![indoor lightning](/sites/default/files/inline-images/dimmer_700px.jpg)
Indoor Lighting
Set the mood for savings with dimmers, timers, and more. Turn lights off whenever possible and try to work by daylight. Try LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs and check to see if rebates are available when you buy them.
Use & Care
- Use natural daylight when available for its economic, environmental aesthetic benefits
- Choose compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) over incandescent bulbs to reduce mercury released into the atmosphere
- For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page
Buyers Guide
- The Energy Star® logo recognizes top-performing lighting options for energy efficiency
- Choose CFLs and LEDs over incandescent bulbs for higher efficiency and longer bulb life
- For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page
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Outdoor Lighting
Use 75-90% less energy by choosing more efficient outdoor lighting options. Set your lights on a timer to save money and improve security. Use the power of the sun and try solar outdoor lighting fixtures. They are easy to maintain and install.
Use & Care
- Mounted floodlights are an efficient way to light large outdoor areas
- Position outdoor lighting fixtures on rough surfaces with low gloss to minimize glare
- For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page
Buyers Guide
- Solar-powered landscape lights are easy to install and require no wiring
- Use CFLs in enclosed fixtures for small area lighting, and halogen PAR flood lamps for efficient large-area lighting
- For more tips visit our FAQ & Tips page