Even if you’ve switched all your bulbs from incandescents to CFLs, it’s still good to practice turning off the lights when you don’t need them to save on energy.

Turning off the lights depends on the bulb. If you still have incandescent bulbs, it is always best to shut the light off when no one is in a room or if you aren’t using the light. Fluorescent lights are a little different, since constantly switching them on and off will make them less efficient. For CFLs and other fluorescent bulbs, if you know you won’t be using it within the next 15 minutes, shut it off.

Maximize the day light. Opening curtains to let in natural light is the best way to do this. However, since a lot of heat can escape through windows, especially older windows, close up the curtains after dark to avoid using more energy to heat your home.

Use directional lights. If you’re sitting at a desk or occupying only part of a room, you may not need to illuminate the whole space. Use smaller lamps to better utilize light in a room.

Install sensors. If you’re redoing a space or constructing a new home, consider installing light sensors that will automatically shut off when no one is in the room.

Department of Energy Home Lighting Information

More from Green Options:

Daily Tip: Lights Out

Better Daylighting

Did you know you can choose where your power comes from? More than 600 utility companies in 36 states offer their customers the option of green power. That means you can support renewable energy sources such as wind and solar instead of conventional coal fired or nuclear power plants just by paying your monthly electricity bill.

How it works. When you sign up to a green power program, you are supporting your utility company in purchasing power generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar or low-impact hydropower sources. Other renewable sources include methane or captured landfill gas, geothermal, and biomass.

Due to existing transmission infrastructure, the electricity coming over the lines directly into your home is not guaranteed to be power generated from these renewable sources. However, the more people that sign up for green power options, the more green power the utility company will have to purchase.

What you get. The details of each program are different. Many offer renewable power options at one to two cents more per kilowatt hour, and all offer incentives that make it beneficial or attractive for the consumer. GO’s Maria Surma Manka wrote about Xcel Energy’s Windsource program in Minnesota, and GO’s Philip Proefrock discussed his green power options southeast Michigan. In New York, I’ve signed up for Consolidated Edison’s Solutions program, which includes an annual rebate, no sales tax, and the option of a fixed monthly rate (so I pay the same amount every month for my bill, no matter what my actual usage is). Of course you’ll also get the satisfaction knowing that your green power purchase is helping to further the availability of renewable energy sources.

Check with your electricity provider or the U.S. Department of Energy website to find out if your local utility offers a green power program. Before you sign up, learn more about the details of the program, and find out where the renewable energy sources come from.

More from Green Options:

The Best Green Power Programs
Buy Renewable Energy for Yourself
Real Renewable Energy vs. Renewable Energy Credits
The Who’s Who of Green Power Purchasers

Whether you do it yourself or leave it to the professionals, conducting a home energy audit will help you determine what improvements you’ll need to make your home more energy efficient, so you can live more comfortably and start saving money on utility bills.

An energy audit requires a look at your annual energy usage and an examination, or walk through, of your home. Unfortunately, since houses aren’t built as energy efficient as they could be there will inevitably be improvements you’ll need to make. Older homes are obvious culprits considering that building codes and energy standards have changed over the years, however as GO’s Philip Proefrock points out, newer homes aren’t necessarily up to par either.

Production homebuilders would rather save a few hundred dollars so that they can keep their costs low and sell homes at the lowest price they can. They are unconcerned about the operating cost of the home, and many homebuyers are following them and only asking about the seling price. The cost of this negligence arrives in high energy bills for these homes, which buyers must deal with year after year.

DIY Energy Audit. When doing your own, simple, energy audit keep track of the problems you find. Things to look for include drafty rooms, or indoor air leaks around doors, windows, baseboards, and areas where there may be condensation. The U.S. Department of Energy provides a helpful guide to help you through the process, including tips on how to locate air leaks, how to inspect your heating and cooling equipment and how to determine where you might need more insulation.

Professional Audits. For a more thorough audit have a professional take a walk through. They have specific testing techniques and may find things you missed in your DIY audit. Check with your electricity or gas provider to see if they offer free or low-cost energy audits. And always check references before hiring a professional energy auditor.

Saving Energy. Once it is determined what areas of your home need improvements you’ll have to decide what energy saving measures you can afford. As with any home improvement think of it as an investment, because whether you decide to upgrade your appliances, replace your heating system, or improve your insulation you will end up saving yourself money each year that will more than make up for the initial expenditure.

DOE Consumer’s Energy Audit Guide

Further reading from Green Options:

Home Energy Audits

How To Get Your Home Ready For Renewable Energy

Using Snow & Ice for Energy Analysis

Yeah, yeah. We’ve all heard this one. Change out your incandescents for the more energy efficient CFLs. But how many of you are actually doing it?

Making the switch to CFLs (compact flourescent lamps) will result in noticeable savings in your electricity bill. Plus, they last longer, produce more light, and emit less heat.

Want more good news about CFLs? They come in more than one variety. There’s a CFL for many different types of light fixtures, and you can choose your shape: spiral, or a more conventional ‘bulb’ look. Some manufacturers even offer CFLs that radiate that warm glow of an incandescent so many of us have grown accustomed to. But before you buy, check the label to make sure the CFL will work with your lamp or lighting fixture, and that it corresponds to the appropriate wattage. (For more facts about CFLs, Natural Path has some great answers to some CFL basics.)

However, all CFLs contain mercury - about 5 milligrams each (equivalent to the tip of a ballpoint pen.) On the upside, many CFL manufacturers are working on reducing that amount to no more than 2 milligrams per bulb by 2008. No matter which CFL you buy, always check with your local waste management company to find out how to properly dispose of your CFLs. (Smart HomeOwner has additional facts on mercury in CFLs and safe disposal information.)

If you live in California or Australia, you may not even have a choice soon, as regulations are in the works to ban the incandescent bulb altogether.

So get on that CFL bandwagon. Make the switch and start saving energy today.

Amy says: My roommate and I seem to have inadvertently stockpiled some 60w bulbs and haven’t run out yet, but the second we do I’m buying the CFLs.

More on CFLs from GO:

Tip o’ the Day: A Bright Idea

Environmental Defense: Why Today’s CFLs Are So Much Better

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Daily Tip: A Bright Idea

Naturalpath Asks "CFLs — What’s the Deal?"

Smart HomeOwner: Safer CFLs

New Lighting Technology?

Kenny Luna: The Pied Piper of CFLs

Popular Mechanics Puts Efficient Light Bulbs to the Test

Saving energy at home will not only create less demand on the power grid, but will also save you money in electricity costs. Here are some simple things you can do to reduce your energy use.

Unplug. Whether it is the cell phone charger or the TV, when it is plugged in it is using electricity. Simply unplugging electronics and appliances while not in use will cut that phantom power load.

Turn off the light. Just flip the light switch off when you leave the room or keep it off if there is adequate daylight.

Buy Energy Star. If you’re upgrading to a new appliance, check for the Energy Star label. They work the same as (or probably better than) the older models but suck up far less power.

Switch to CFLs. Traditional incandescent light bulbs are inefficient and spend most of their energy creating heat rather than light. The next time a bulb burns out screw in a compact flourescent instead. They save energy and last a lot longer.

Mind your refrigerator. You can thank the fridge for taking up most of the energy in your home. Lighter Footstep’s Chris Baskind lists the ways you can get the most from your refrigerator.

Don’t overwork your AC. The air conditioner is also a big energy sucker in hot weather months. Keeping the thermostat at a set temperature, and simply turning it off when you’re not at home are among the ways you can keep the AC costs down.

Here is some more information from Green Options on ways you can save energy in your home:

Daily Tip: A Bright Idea

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Guest Post: Cut Your Energy Bills in Half (Part 1 of 2)

Guest Post: Cut Your Energy Bills in Half (Part 2 of 2)

Home Energy Audits

Environmental Defense: Why Today’s CFLs Are So Much Better

Lighter Footstep: Ten Cheap Ways to Chill Your Refrigerator

Tip o’ the Day: Get the Most From Your Air Conditioner

Programmable Thermostats

Daily Tip: Unplug that Cell Phone Charger

Being environmentally conscious at the workplace can be a challenge, especially if your employer is resistant or doesn’t readily see the economic benefits of going green. However, on the flip side, many employees aren’t doing all they can either. By taking a few simple steps each day, everyone in the office can do their part to help the company become more eco-friendly.

A recent survey found that 73% of people believe it is important that their employer be an environmentally and socially responsible company. However, energy saving measures people take in their own home don’t always carry over in to office. Ninety-two percent of those surveyed said they turned off lights in unoccupied rooms in their own homes, yet only 52% admitted to following the same practice at work.

The survey was sponsored by Sun Microsystems, whose Vice President of Eco Responsibility, Dave Douglas says:

Businesses don’t cut power consumption — people do. If you’re an employee, these survey results show that you have an enormous opportunity to make a difference for our planet and to help America’s business make better use of their economic resources. If you’re an employer, bridge this gap by communicating about the issue and how everyone can benefit by taking small steps. The good news is that your employees care about the environment, but they may need your help in realizing how much they can actually make a difference.

Some small steps you can take:

• Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms such as kitchens, break rooms, and conference rooms. To help remind others to do the same, create a small sign to post on the door or above the light switch. If there is plenty daylight is coming in, keep the lights off until needed.
• Turn off your computer at the end of the day, and set it to go into energy saving mode (sleep, or hibernation) after a period of inactivity. Unplugging it at the end of the day will also save energy. Likewise, turn off the monitor when you’re away from your desk.
• When printing or photocopying use both sides of the paper. If possible, set the default settings on printers and photocopiers to double-sided.
• If your workplace offers recycling, do your part and recycle.
• Cut back on paper cups and use your own mug for coffee/tea and water.

These are just a few small things, but if you do them every day, and you can get your co-workers to do the same, these little things will add up to have a noticeable impact.

The survey, released on Wednesday, was commissioned by Sun Microsystems, Inc, and conducted by Harris Interactive.

Related articles from Green Options:
GO - Office Equipment

Kicking the Habit: Reusing Electro-Waste

10 Fast, Easy Tips to Cool Your Company

Q & A: How Can We Ask People To Recycle When It Is So Difficult?

Remarkable: Recycled Office Products Made Cool

Greener Printing

Don’t worry. We’re not talking about giving up your Ipod or Blackberry. But you might be able to do without some of those small plug-in appliances and other gadgets around the house.

This tip comes from Dani Greer, creator of The Non-Electric Life Squidoo Lens:

Americans are hooked on gadgets, and far too many of them are electric. Some of them are downright ridiculous, and don’t make life an yeasier or more pleasant. Why use a leafblower, when a broom or rake will do the job? Look in your kitchen. Is it Gadgetville in there? When was the last time you used that electric jar opener you got for Christmas? Even a regular electric can-opener is a waste of energy and resources…

And why use an electric grinder or blender when a mortar and pestle will work just fine for grinding up spices? A simple cheese grater works to grate ginger, too. A mandoline does as quick a job as a food processor. The added benefit is that non-electric gadgets aren’t nearly as noisy. Most of the time they’ll cost a lot less than that expensive Cuisinart. 

Here’s a quick list of some convenient gadgets and their old fashioned counterparts to consider:

• The handmixer (or standing mixer) = the whisk
• The electric can opener = the crank and turn can opener
• Microwave = oven and stove
• Toaster = broiler
• Hairdryer = air
• Electric razor = straight razor
• Electric grinder or food processor = mortar and pestle
• Coffee maker = french press
• Fan = open windows for cross breeze

Of course you may not be able to give up the electrical version completely, but you might be able to use it less. And simply unplug when not in use - this is a huge energy saver.

Amy says: When baking, I normally prefer to cream the butter and sugar together with my trusty wooden spoon, but when it comes to egg whites and whipped cream I let convenience trump my eco-conscience. After three years without a handmixer, I broke down and bought one over the weekend to make a lemon meringue pie. As a compromise, I resolve to only use it for special occasions.

For suggesting today’s tip Dani will receive two months of wind power from Renewable Choice energy. Have a tip you’d like to share? Send it along to us today.

Imagine a backup generator that is virtually silent and requires zero fossil fuels, creating no CO2 emissions. That's what Gaia Power Technologies has successfully created in the PowerTower.

The PowerTower could become the wave of the future in response to an increasing unreliable or unpredictable energy supply. It will also have an important role in fostering the continued growth of wind and solar by being able to increase the efficiency of these renewable sources.

The PowerTower looks like a big blue filing cabinet, and takes up about that amount of space indoors. Each unit uses batteries to store power, which is then released when needed, such as in the event of a power failure. But the PowerTower is more than just a backup generator. Gaia Technologies has manufactured this turn key storage unit to be integrated with renewable power sources, such as wind and solar, so that during times of intermittent generation the stored up power can be utilized.

Because it uses batteries it doesn't need any additional fuel to run (no diesel required) and only has one moving part - a fan to keep the unit cool. Minimal moving parts also mean minimal maintenance to keep it running over the course of its 20 year operating lifetime. (Batteries need to be replaced after about 7 years.)

For those of you who like numbers, each unit provides up to 11kW of continuous power output and 15kWh of energy storage capacity, with over 25kW of surge power (to start motors pumps and furnaces) and can be configured for either 120V or 120/240V. Multiple units can be connected together to provide for greater needs.

Who is using this technology? According to Matthew Johnson, Director of Marketing and Business Development with Gaia Power Technologies, the PowerTower is mainly used right now as means of backup power for residential consumers and small businesses during times of power grid failure, and to help increase the functionality of solar and wind generation. There is also interest from countries around the world in areas with low or intermittent power connectivity.

The PowerTower can also serve to lessen peak load demand when energy use is at its highest. In New York for example, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers businesses an incentive for not using as much power during the heat of the day when AC units are at full blast across the city in what is called the Peak Load Reduction Program.

NYSERDA also helped fund the development of Gaia's turn key storage technologies. In addition to funding research and development of renewable and alternative energy technologies, the state agency also offers incentives and rebates for consumers and busineses in purchasing Energy Star appliances, installing solar panels and utilizing other technologies such as the PowerTower. (To see if there are incentives in your state check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - DSIRE.)

The PowerTower was developed by a battery chemist, Ib Olsen, who saw the need to take battery power to a new level for the end user. Gaia Power Technologies began in 2002 and has been manufacturing and selling the PowerTower over the past year and a half. Additional information can be found at the company's website.

There are a lot of small, easy things you can do to get the most out of your AC and lighten the energy load for savings in your energy bill.

Don't touch that thermostat
The magic number is 78 degrees. In most climates this is a comfortable temperature setting. Each degree higher than that will save you 6 to 8 percent in cooling costs. You can also set it a couple degrees higher when you're not home.

Lowering the set temperature won't cool your place any quicker and will only wind up costing you more energy. Keep it at a constant temperature. The AC unit will regulate itself as designed.

Close the curtains
We love natural day light and keeping the lights off reduces the overall heat, but if no one is in a room close the curtains to keep out direct sunlight during the day. This will keep the house cooler naturally so the AC won't have to work as hard. Also, in the evening open the curtains back up to allow heat to escape. If you can't close the curtains consider installing awnings or outdoor landscaping such as trees and shrubs around these windows to provide shade.

Switch on the ceiling fan
When used properly, ceiling fans can help circulate the cool air throughout the house, and can even provide comfort on cooler days if you're able to turn the AC off.

Proper sizing and placement
Make sure your AC unit is properly sized. A bigger air conditioner does not translate into a cooler room and will end up costing you more in the end.

If possible, place your AC unit on the north side to keep it out of the heat of the day. Otherwise look to create landscaping to shade it with trees or shrubs.

Make sure the air flow is not blocked with furniture or other items, and change the filter regularly. If your AC unit is fairly old, consider replacing it with an energy star model. newer units use up to 40% less electricity.

These things will ensure your AC unit is working at maximum efficiency.

Amy says: Last summer my roommate and I bought a window unit for our apartment. Luckily our place is on the ground floor and is shaded on the outside by a few trees, but it can get hot and stuffy in the summer with successive 90 days in New York City. We turn it off on days that aren't as hot and try to create a cross breeze with open windows and a fan. So far this year I haven't put it back in the window just yet and I'm waiting until the last possible moment to do so.

Check out these links for more tips on getting the most from your AC and staying cool:

About.com
Energy Star
Department of Energy
Air-ConditionerStore.com

What if the U.S. federal government raised fuel economy standards? How much further would your vehicle go on a gallon of gas?

The Sierra Club will show you with the MPG Calculator. Choose the make and model of your car, how many miles you drive per year and the average cost you pay for gas at the pump.

For example, I entered Volkswagen Jetta at 12,500 miles per year at $3/gallon. Click on the "I Want My MPG!" button and here's the results:

If fuel economy standards were modernized, I would
Use 182 fewer gallons of gas a year
Save $545 at the pump annualy
Reduce CO2 emissions by 5,083 pounds

It is a fun tool that really shows the impact of what increasing fuel economy standards could do: mainly saving you money and reducing green house gas emissions. Of course raising fuel economy standards relies on politicians and automakers getting on board, and there are a few proposals out there, but the call to action might also have to come from drivers. How much could you be saving?