100+ Ways to Conserve Resources

Energy conservation is about using less energy to lower your costs and lessen the impact on the environment.

There are a number of different ways you can help make a difference that will enable you to save both energy and money, which is good for you, your family and the community.

Helpful articles for every season:

Spring and summer energy tips from Energy Saver

Fall and winter energy tips from Energy Saver

Fall maintenance tips for your home

Cold weather readiness for your business

Buildings, Heating and Cooling: At Home and Around the Office

  1. Replace incandescent bulbs with LED's
  2. Turn lights off in rooms not being used
  3. Use timers on lights
  4. Install dimmer switches
  5. Re-seal / caulk windows
  6. Install storm windows
  7. Replace older windows with high-performance windows
  8. Re-seal doors around the frame and the bottom
  9. Replace older or damaged doors
  10. Add insulation in attics and crawl spaces that border the outside
  11. Repair any roof damage
  12. Repair any exterior wall damage/add insulation
  13. Plant trees for shade
  14. Plant short dense shrubs close to foundation to insulate against cold
  15. Install roof or cover on outside deck
  16. Install solar panels
  17. Install a wind turbine
  18. Cover bare floors for heat retention
  19. Install an energy-efficient heat pump
  20. For winter, set thermostat to 68-70 degrees during the day and reduce it to 65-68 degrees at night
  21. For summer, set thermostat to 72-75 degrees during the day and increase to 76-78 degrees at night
  22. In the warmer seasons, open windows at night to capture the cool breeze
  23. Place fans in windows on cooler summer days instead of using the A/C
  24. Lower thermostat in winter and raise it in summer when leaving the house
  25. Avoid heating or cooling unused areas and rooms
  26. Avoid overheating or cooling your home
  27. Replace furnace and A/C filters regularly
  28. Give A/C an annual tune up
  29. Repair leaky ducts
  30. Keep furniture, carpeting, and curtains from blocking registers and return ducts
  31. Use shades, blinds, and drapes in summer to block the sun
  32. Use/install ceiling fans
  33. Close fireplace damper when not being used
  34. Try not to use the fireplace and central heating at the same time
  35. Turn off fireplace pilot during the summer
  36. Keep garage door closed, especially in winter

Appliances

  1. Discontinue using portable electric heaters
  2. Replace older and damaged appliances with Energy Star rated appliances
  3. Repair refrigerator door seals
  4. Avoid opening refrigerator/freezer doors to browse
  5. Let hot foods cool before placing in refrigerator/freezer
  6. Clean the back of refrigerator regularly
  7. Unplug extra refrigerator and/or freezer located in hot garage or utility room
  8. Keep freezer full as it uses less energy than an empty one
  9. Unplug phone charger when not in use
  10. Unplug appliances not in use such as coffee maker, toaster, microwave, etc.
  11. Use microwave or toaster oven to re-heat food instead of full-sized oven
  12. Use a power strip for electronics that can be easily turned off when not in use
  13. Turn off computer or use sleep mode
  14. Fill up dishwasher before running
  15. Turn off dishwasher heated dry setting and open door to air dry
  16. Wash and dry only full loads of clothes
  17. Wash clothes with cold water
  18. Vent dryer to the outside
  19. Avoid over drying clothes
  20. Hang clothes to air dry
  21. Grill out instead of cooking on the stove and/or oven
  22. Only run kitchen and bathroom fans as long as necessary
  23. Check hot water pipes for leaks
  24. Turn off water heater when going on vacation
  25. Install a solar water heater
  26. Wrap insulation around water heater
  27. Reduce water heater temperature setting to 120 degrees
  28. Install a water heater timer
  29. Turn off humidifier or dehumidifier when no longer needed
  30. Keep generator (if applicable) well-tuned to be prepared for possible power outages

Water Conservation

  1. Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for plant watering
  2. Take shorter showers
  3. Take a shower instead of a bath, uses less hot water
  4. Capture cold water when running tap for warm or hot water, and re-use (plant watering, coffee maker, etc.)
  5. Install a low-flow shower head
  6. Turn water off while brushing teeth
  7. Check faucets and toilets for leaks
  8. Flush toilet every other time (with liquid waste)
  9. Make sure toilet handle doesn't stick after flushing
  10. Avoid overwatering with sprinkler system
  11. Water garden and/or yard early morning or late afternoon to avoid high evaporation
  12. Landscape with drought tolerant plants
  13. Mulch around plants to help conserve water
  14. Utilize spring for irrigation on property (if applicable)
  15. Minimize vehicle washing

Vehicles and Transportation

  1. A properly tuned and oiled vehicle with correct tire pressure will get better mileage per gallon
  2. Trade in gas vehicle for an electric or hybrid vehicle
  3. Ride a bike
  4. Walk instead of driving
  5. Ride a scooter
  6. Carpool or rideshare
  7. Use public transportation
  8. Telecommute if possible
  9. Try a stay-cation instead of traveling for a vacation
  10. Shop local and online
  11. Park in central location for errands and walk to each stop

Day to Day

  1. Wear season/weather appropriate clothing
  2. Wear clothing a second time
  3. Sleep with an extra blanket for warmth
  4. Dine by candlelight
  5. Retire to bed 30 minutes earlier and turn off lights
  6. Turn off the TV and play games, tell stories, play instruments, etc.
  7. Walk/run outside or at the mall instead of using an electric treadmill
  8. Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones
  9. Use cloth towels and napkins instead of disposable ones
  10. Purchase fruits & vegetables loose instead of using a plastic bag
  11. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store
  12. Mend and repair clothing instead of replacing and discarding

Saving energy and resources is important and beneficial for many reasons, and can improve the quality of life for yourself and others. NRLP offers ways to offset your carbon-based energy usage through our Green Power Program, as well as supports customers who generate energy through renewable sources.