Energy Conservation Checklist

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Use this page as a checklist of energy efficiency measures that you can take to bring the New Energy Economy to your home:

In the winter:

In general:

Install a programmable thermostat
Have your heating system every two to three years by a HVAC professional.
Make sure your fireplace is sealed when it's not being used.
Consider weather-stripping, caulking and insulation to control air infiltration.
Insulate air ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces and attics.
Consider a technical energy audit to help identify air leaks.

In the summer:

Keep thermostat set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher if you have ceiling fans.
Keep the house closed tight during the day and ventilate at night naturally or with fans.
Use ceiling fans to increase comfort level.
Delay heat-generating activities such as using a dishwasher or clothes dryer until evening on hot days (even better - skip the clothes dryer and hang your laundry outside to dry).
Properly maintain air conditioners to maximize efficiency.
If using central air conditioning, replace your furnace filter every month.
Consider an evaporative cooler instead of an air conditioner. They work well in Colorado's climate, and use one quarter of the energy.

Identify and install the best insulation for your home. Be sure to seal air leaks before adding insulation.

Purchase ENERGY STAR appliances.
Defrost refrigerators and freezers regularly.
Line dry clothes whenever possible.
Separate clothes and dry similar types together.
Dry full loads, but be careful not to overload.
Dry two or more loads in a row to take advantage of the heat still in the dryer from the first load.
Clean the lint trap after every load.
Cook food in covered pans and match burner size to size of pan.
Dust or vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils at least once a year.
Keep the top of your refrigerator uncluttered to allow for proper air circulation to the compressor.
Maintain your refrigerator at three-quarters full to allow room for air to circulate around the food.
Avoid holding the freezer or refrigerator door open unnecessarily.
Allow hot food items to cool before putting them into the refrigerator or freezer.
Cover foods and liquids because uncovered/items release moisture into the refrigerator compartment, increasing energy use.
On electric stoves, use only flat-bottomed pans that make full contact with the heating coils.
The temperature of the refrigerator compartment should be 36 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit; the temperature of the freezer compartment should be 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
When purchasing new appliances, compare energy efficiency labels.

Consider purchasing computers and home office equipment that have low-energy settings.
Purchase ENERGY STAR electronics when possible.
Unplug electronic device chargers when not in use.
Plug electronics into a surge protector and turn it off when not in use to avoid "phantom load" (the use of electricity even when turned off or in standby mode).

Turn out lights in unoccupied rooms.
Keep light fixtures clean.
Switch to energy-efficient bulbs.
Take advantage of natural day lighting.
Use motion sensors automatically turn off indoor lights when you leave a room. Motion sensors can also be used on outside lights.

Lower water heater temperature setting to "warm" or 120° F.
Take shorter showers and install low-flow showerheads.
Install faucet aerators.
Wash laundry in cold water.
Repair leaky faucets.
Insulate your water heater
During the summer, water the lawn before dawn, when evaporation is less likely.
Use energy-saving cycles (no-heat or air-dry) on your dishwasher.
Run the dishwasher only when it's full, but not overloaded.
Scrape dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
Wash clothing when you have a full load, or adjust the water setting for the appropriate load size.
Avoid purchasing bottled water. Refill a reusable bottle instead.

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