About 35% of all electricity produced is used to run homes. Homes also contribute to air pollution, including 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The EPA estimates that each homeowner could reduce home electricity use by 30% by just using energy more wisely and purchasing energy efficient products. The most energy intensive appliances used in the home are: water heater 16%, refrigerator 12%, air conditioning/heat 8-30% (depending on climate), lights 7%.

Tips:

1. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They last up to seven times longer and use much less energy, saving up to 75 percent on electricity bills.
2. Use cold water, instead of hot water for laundry and dishwashing machines. 
3. Close the vents in unused rooms and shut the door so that you are heating or cooling a smaller area of the house.
4. Install a programmable thermostat.
5. Plant shrubs or trees to shade your air conditioning unit.
6. Purchase Green Power. If available in your area, purchase 100% Green Power from a company and prevent 3800 to 6200 lbs of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
7. Replace older windows with newer, better-insulated windows. 10 to 24% of heat loss occurs through windows.