Top 10 Ways to Conserve Energy

Throw out incandescent light bulbs. These bulbs have been the traditional choice for many to light their homes, but they are the least energy efficient. Incandescent bulbs produce light by heating a filament wire inside the bulb.

Use Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs to light your home, as they are the most energy-efficient. LED bulbs far outlast incandescent bulbs, with an average life expectancy of 25,000 to 50,000 hours. Although LED bulbs cost more up front, they will quickly save you money and energy, with the annual operating cost of a LED bulb at about $32.85, while the average incandescent bulb costs $328.59 to operate a year.

Turn off the lights when you are not using them. This is a simple way to save energy and avert unnecessary utility costs.

Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Even when they’re not being used, appliances drain energy. A simple way to shut everything off is to use power strips and turn off the power strips before you leave the room.

Keep your thermostat adjusted. Don’t blast the A/C in summer and scorch yourself with heat in the winter. Instead aim for a medium temperature of about 68 Fahrenheit degrees during the winter and 78 degrees in summer. Turn off your thermostat when no one is home.