Lighting & Appliances: Get the Facts

Learn how to be an energy-efficient consumer.
ENERGY STAR® Programmable Thermostats

You can stay warm this winter and still save money on your energy costs by installing an ENERGY STAR® qualified programmable thermostat in your home. When set correctly, programmable thermostats automatically adjust the indoor temperature so you use heat only when you really need it.

  • Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home's temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you're away or sleeping, and are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats
  • It's inexpensive to buy and when programmed correctly, will save you money on your energy costs - about $150/year
  • Set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you're home, and 60 degrees at night or when you are away
  • Setting the temperature to return to a comfortable setting a half hour before you come home will remove the chill from the house without wasting energy while no one is home
  • Use the thermostat’s pre-programmed settings for maximum energy and money savings
Lighting Products

ENERGY STAR® qualified light fixtures are designed to save energy and lower monthly utility bills. They use 50-70 percent less energy than incandescent or halogen lamps, while giving off the same amount of light. The links below can help you to save money while lighting your home.

  • ENERGY STAR Lights Catalog
    Lighting products for Massachusetts and Rhode Island
  • SmartLiving Catalog
    ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products for Connecticut
  • EPA ENERGY STAR Fixtures Guide
    The consumer-friendly guide provides "glamour shots" of ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures in home and outdoor settings, and information about lighting quality and the benefits of ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures
  • Energy Federation, Inc.
    National distributor of energy-efficient products, including compact fluorescent bulbs and fixtures, foams, sealants, vapor barriers, and HVI-certified ventilation systems to contractors in the building and HVAC industries
  • EPA ENERGY STAR Choose a Light Guide
    Learn how to choose which CFL types are most appropriate for the fixtures in your home.