In the Home

Cut your utility bills by purchasing energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, and other home equipment and products. The average house is responsible for more air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions than is the average car.

• You can reduce your energy consumption by up to 30 percent by purchasing home products that display the ENERGY STAR^® label. Most ENERGY STAR labels require that products exceed minimum federal standards for energy consumption by 13 to 40 percent, depending on the particular appliance. Look for the label on refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers heating and cooling equipment, televisions, VCRs, and audio equipment. A high-efficiency refrigerator will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 450 pounds a year. A washing machine that uses water and energy efficiently will reduce emissions by 440 pounds a year.

• Buy new homes that carry the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR labeled homes use reliable and established technologies and building practices to operate 30% more efficiently than homes built to the Model Energy Code.

• Buy computers, copiers, printers, fax machines, and other home office equipment that carry the ENERGY STAR label.

• When your lights burn out, replace them with compact fluorescent lights or switch to ENERGY STAR fixtures. Converting to energy-efficient lighting can help you use 67% less energy.

• Insulate your home and tune up your furnace. Potential reductions in carbon dioxide emissions if you also install efficient shower heads: 2,480 pounds per year.

Save on water use in your home

• Use low-flow faucets in your showers and sinks.

• Replace toilets with water-saving lavatories.

• Lower the temperature on your hot water tank to 120 degrees.

• Insulate your water heater and all water pipes to reduce heat loss.

When you remodel, build, or buy a new home, incorporate all of these energy efficiency measures - and others

• If you live in a sunny climate, install a solar thermal system to help provide your hot water. You'll reduce your home's carbon dioxide emissions by 720 pounds a year. Consider installing a solar photovoltaic system to generate electricity.

• Select a home located close to your job to reduce your travel distance and time.

• Take advantage of energy efficient mortgages and loans to make improvements that will save you dollars.

• When purchasing a new home, look for one with the ENERGY STAR label. These homes offer energy savings as well as higher resale value.

• Ask your contractor about high-efficiency furnaces, central air conditioners, and other heating and cooling systems that qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. High-efficiency systems can save as much as 40 percent on heating and cooling bills.

Purchase "Green Power" for your home's electricity if available from your utility