Go Green to Save Money

We can all do our part to become more energy efficient and use fewer resources. Plus, as you use fewer resources, you'll save money. When you start paying your own utility bills, you may be shocked to realize how much electricity, gas and water you really use. Increase your energy efficiency and lower your bills by following our tips.

Electricity

• Use energy-efficient light bulbs. Replace the most-used incandescent bulbs and fixtures with Energy Star fluorescent lights. Turn off lights when leaving a room. Use the lowest wattage bulbs, except for reading. Keep bulbs and fixtures clean.
• Use cold water to wash clothes. Clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each load.
• Turn off TV and devices connected to it when not in use. Even better, unplug or turn off the power strip.
• When you purchase new electronics, look for the Energy Star label. You can take advantage of their power-saving settings.

Heat/Air Conditioning

• Heating: Keep thermostat at 68°F or below and lower thermostat at night and when you're gone (55°F lowest setting). You can save 1% on your bill for every 1 degree decrease in temp.*
• Wear warm clothes to stay comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
• Cover wall mounted air conditioners with plastic film or air tight cover. Use removable rope caulk or shrink-film plastic on drafty windows.
• Keep registers and cold-air returns clear of furniture and drapes and keep windows tightly latched.
• Cooling: Set the thermostat at 78°F or higher. You can save 1% for every 1°F increase in the thermostat setting when unit is running.* Turn off your air conditioner when no one is home.
• Use room fans or ceiling fans instead of air conditioning. Use window fans to blow hot air out or bring cool air in.
• When it's cold outside, open your drapes so the sun can heat rooms naturally. Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day to keep rooms cooler during the summer.

Reduce Waste

• Sign up for Web Statements if you haven't already. We've saved over 20 million sheets of paper by emailing members their statements instead of printing paper statements.
• Print double-sided when possible, especially for long papers.
• Use reusable grocery bags instead of plastic grocery bags. You can also purchase reusable lunch bags and sandwich baggies.
• Use a reusable coffee mug instead of coffee shops' to-go cups. You'll decrease your waste, and you'll get discounts at many shops.

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* According to Madison Gas & Electric.