Reducing the amount of energy you use can help you reduce your impact on the environment and save money on your energy bills. This section is your resource for information to help you reduce your energy consumption and save money through energy efficiency.

There's a lot you can do. Some actions are big and some are small. Choose the steps that are right for you. Just remember: the more you do, the more you'll save.

CFLs
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Many people recognize energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs by their signature twisty shape. But CFLs are now available in many different shapes and styles for every socket, indoors and outdoors. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and can last 6 to 10 times longer. It may even cost you more to wait for your old incandescents to burn out, than to switch to CFLs right now. To learn about all the different CFLs, and how to choose the right one for every socket in your home, click here.

Energy Audits and Home Improvements

Efficiency Vermont supports a network of Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractors certified to perform energy audits; diagnose building problems such as moisture, mold, and ice dams; and install recommended energy efficiency improvements that can reduce your energy consumption by up to 30%. Using a certified contractor provides assurance that the project will lead to real energy savings and be done safely. To find a certified contractor and information on financial incentives to help you pay for qualified improvements, click here.

Appliances

ENERGY STAR appliances use 10% to 50% less energy and water than standard models. Older appliances can consume so much energy that it makes sense to retire them early, even if they still work. If you can retire a backup refrigerator or freezer, you may save up to $150 a year on energy bills. The money you save on energy can more than make up for the cost of buying a new ENERGY STAR model. Efficiency Vermont offers rebates on select ENERGY STAR appliances, and seasonal rebates on room A/Cs and dehumidifiers. Efficiency Vermont also offers incentives for early retirement of older refrigerators. To learn more about ENERGY STAR appliances, click here.

Home Electronics

Home electronics, like TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, and laptops, can account for more than 25% of your household electricity use. Some electronics use energy even when they're turned off, to power features like clock displays and remote controls. When buying home electronics, look for ENERGY STAR® products, which use much less energy than standard electronics. Also, remember to comparison shop. For example, plasma TVs use significantly more energy than standards sets, but some plasma TVs are ENERGY STAR-rated and use less energy than other plasma TVs. Finally, use an Advanced Power Strip to save even more energy and money. To learn more about how to save on your home electronics, click here.

Rebates and Incentives

Efficiency Vermont offers many rebates and incentives to help Vermonters make energy efficiency improvements to their homes. For example, rebates are available on select ENERGY STAR® clothes washers and refrigerators/freezers, and incentives are available to help Vermonters complete energy efficiency home improvements through a certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor.

For more information on rebate programs; incentives; and financing options for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR projects, click here.

DIY - Do It Yourself

We recommend using a certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor to make major energy efficiency improvements. If you wish to make some improvements on your own, Efficiency Vermont has created a Home Heating Help section of the website. This resource provides information on home energy topics including; sealing air leaks, attic insulation, heating equipment and energy-efficient appliances. click here

Advanced Power Strips

Even when they're off, home electronics - including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, and laptops - may still draw power from the wall outlet. And you pay for it. In fact, the average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices while they are turned off. An Advanced Power Strip uses smart technology to cut the power to certain electronics when they're not in use, saving you energy and money automatically. To learn more about how Advanced Power Strips work, click here.

Meter Loan Program

The best way to understand the connection between your home's energy use and your energy costs is to know how much electricity your home electronics and appliances are using. You can measure your electricity usage with a Watts Up Electric Meter. Efficiency Vermont offers this meter to electric customers in Vermont free of charge for a period of three weeks. Once you identify where you use the most electricity, you can make changes to your energy usage that will have the greatest impact on your bills. To find out more about the Meter Loan Program and to download a request form, click here.

ENERGY STAR®

ENERGY STAR is a national program that helps us save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. There are ENERGY STAR programs for residential construction on new and existing homes. And the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 types of products including lighting, appliances, home electronics and heating and cooling equipment. You will also see a yellow EnergyGuide label on most new appliances. This label estimates how much energy the appliance uses compared to similar products, and shows you approximately how much it will cost to use each year to help you compare different models when shopping for a new appliance. To learn more about the ENERGY STAR programs, click here.