Three Quick Tips for Cutting Energy Waste

Lowering energy waste is a great way to save money, yet sometimes you don’t realize just how much energy your lighting and appliances are wasting. We traveled across Massachusetts to test people’s knowledge of common sources of energy waste around the house, and to share some tips for avoiding this excess energy use. Check out the video below, and read our three quick tips for cutting energy waste, to see whether you’re missing out on these opportunities to save energy and money.

1. Choose energy-efficient models of your most commonly used appliances, like refrigerators. According to EPA’s ENERGY STAR® program, ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators use 10 percent less energy than new, non-certified models, and newer refrigerators across the board are much more efficient than older models. Running day in and day out, a more efficient model will help you save on energy costs. Plus, if you have an old and inefficient refrigerator, you may be eligible for a rebate worth up to $200 from Mass Save when you replace your existing model with a new ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator. If you decide to recycle an old fridge before upgrading, Mass Save will also provide a $50 rebate and pick up the appliance at no cost. 

2. Make the switch to LED bulbs. Savings analysis found that just by replacing one incandescent bulb with an ENERGY STAR certified LED, you can save up to $10 in annual energy costs. LEDs come in many different styles to meet your lighting needs, and now are often compatible with dimmers and motion detectors, too. Explore the Mass Save lighting guide to find out which LED bulbs will work best for you, and then find discounts on LEDs at local retailers and online.  

3. Use advanced power strips. With traditional power strips, even after you turn off an appliance, its smaller components, like remote controls sensors, keep using energy. Advanced power strips can detect when an appliance is turned off, and automatically cut power to that appliance. Tier 2 advanced power strips can even detect when appliances are left idle—like when you fall asleep watching TV—and stop providing power to these appliances, as well. Savings analysis found that, by avoiding this energy waste, you could save up to $300 in five years with a Tier 2 advanced power strip. Check out Mass Save’s online store to find great deals on advanced power strips. 

To learn about more ways to save on energy costs, visit the Mass Save YouTube channel.