Energy Savings

What are some tips for saving money and energy when it comes to lighting?

Apartment energy savings can be huge when it comes to lighting. According to ENERGY STAR, if every home in the United States replaced an incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR rated compact florescent bulb, enough energy would be conserved to light three million homes.

Not only can you do your part to reduce the drain on resources, you can save yourself money as well. Here are some ideas for managing the light use in your apartment:

• Change the regular light bulbs to compact florescent bulbs. They have a higher initial cost but last longer and use less energy. Remember to dispose of them properly when they burn out; they contain mercury.
• Use dimmers on regular lights when possible.
• During the day, open window shades, blinds and curtains to let in natural light rather than turning on lights in the apartment.
• Light some candles (but never leave them unattended).
• Turn off lights when not in use or before you leave the apartment.

Just including these simple steps in your day-to-day life can make a big difference when it comes to the bottom line on your electric bill. You can also feel good about the fact that you are living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

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How can I use electronics in a more environmentally friendly way?

Let's face it -- we love our electronics! According to ENERGY STAR, the average home has approximately two televisions, three telephones, a VCR and a DVD player. When buying these products, look for the ENERGY STAR rating before you take it back to your apartment and plug it in. The same goes for battery charging systems and home audio equipment.

The ENERGY STAR products use up to 60% less energy than other models, which results in savings -- both for the environment and for you. Here is a statistic that gives a concrete example, provided by ENERGY STAR: If all DVD sales were ENERGY STAR rated, it would be like taking 75,000 cars off the road. Pretty impressive.

Consider unplugging electronic items that you don't use very often. The digital clock and other display features use energy even when the device is off. Shutting down your computer completely rather than leaving it in standby mode is another easy way to cut down on energy use.

The ENERGY STAR Web site has a search feature that can help you search for products that meet their exacting standards. After all, living environmentally friendly doesn't mean you have to give up your beloved gadgets, it just means buying smart and using them wisely. A little bit of advance research can help you make the right choice.

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