I found this article today while browsing the internet and it had some pretty good information.
- Image via Wikipedia
There was a survey and the participants were asked an open ended question.
The take away can be found from this snippet within the article -
The majority of the participants’ answers, such as turning off lights, changing thermostat settings and unplugging appliances, fell into the curtailment category. These actions are certainly helpful, but even more effective are efficiency changes, such as using CFL light bulbs, buying Energy Star appliances, and driving a hybrid car. In other words, it’s better to buy new, efficient equipment than to sparingly use older, energy-hungry products.
The article also has some nice charts which you will want to check out.
So here are five things you can do - again from the article -
Here are five of the most effective things you can at home to lower your energy consumption:
1. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs
2. Weatherize your home with caulk or weather-stripping (80% of older homes are under-insulated)
3. Install a more efficient heating and/or air conditioning unit
4. Install or upgrade attic insulation and ventilation
5. Adjust your washing machine settings to warm, or even cold, water
