Saving Starts @ Home

The Inside Story on Conserving Energy

ftc.gov

Whether you’re buying a 

refrigerator, thinking about 

ways to reduce your home 

heating and cooling bills, 

or trying to save money on 

gas, the Federal Trade 

Commission (FTC), the nation’s 

consumer protection agency, 

has important information 

that can save you money in 

every room of your home. 
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

Toll-Free 1–877–FTC–HELP (1–877–382–4357)

ftc.gov/energy
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What’s Inside

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HEATING & COOLING: Take Your 

Home’s Temperature

No matter where you live, keeping your 

house warm (or cool) costs money. The 

Department of Energy says heating or 

cooling your house or apartment typically 

eats up 56% of your utility bill. If you’re 

interested in shaving dollars off your utility 

bills, it’s good to know there are ways to 

save money all year round.

Start saving with a home energy audit. An audit is like 

taking your home’s temperature. It can help you find 

out where you’re wasting energy and check how well 

your heating and cooling systems work. You can use the 

do-it-yourself energy audit tool on the Department of 

Energy website at www.hes.lbl.gov. Check with your 

power company to see if they offer free or low-cost 

audits. If you want a more comprehensive audit, you 

can hire a specialist.

Going Shopping 

Furnaces and air conditioners are important to your 

comfort and safety. Whether you’re buying a new 

house, renovating an old one, or replacing an old 

system, choosing energy-efficient equipment can save 

you money.

When you go shopping for a new furnace, heat pump, 

air conditioner, or water heater, the price tag tells only 

part of the story. Before you buy, read the EnergyGuide

label on that new furnace to find how much energy it 

uses. Then compare it to the label on another brand. 

EnergyGuide labels show how much energy one brand 

uses in comparison with others. Although some highefficiency appliances may cost more at the outset, they 

can save money by lowering your energy bills.
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Don’t Get Burned

When energy prices rise, so do the number of ads for 

energy-saving products and services. Some of these ads 

are for gadgets and gimmicks that can’t deliver big 

energy savings. Look carefully at the claims and 

check for independent information about product 

performance. Don’t fall for unsolicited or highpressure sales pitches from contractors or door-to-door 

salespeople. Make sure to ask friends and neighbors 

for their recommendations. Check out contractors with 

former customers and the Better Business Bureau. You 

also can check with the 

state or local consumer 

protection office and the 

state licensing agency 

(or home improvement 

commission). If you sign 

a contract in your home 

or somewhere other than 

a company’s permanent 

place of business, the 

FTC’s “Cooling-Off Rule” 

gives you three business 

days to cancel.

Furnace - Natural Gas XYZ Corporation

Model 23466

U.S. Government Federal law prohibits removal of this label before consumer purchase.  Efficiency range based only on natural gas furnaces.

 For more information, visit www.ftc.gov/appliances.

82.7

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

Efficiency Range of Similar Models

96.6

Most Efficient

78.0

Least Efficient

on the web:

www.hes.lbl.gov

utility room UTILITY ROOM ENERGY SAVERS

Here’s how you can get smart about energy 

for your heating and cooling systems.

•	 Schedule an annual tune-up for your 

central air conditioner, heat pump, or 

furnace.

•	 Hire a professional to seal and insulate 

leaky ducts and to make sure that the 

airflow distribution system serving your 

heating equipment is operating efficiently.

•	 Clean or replace the filters on forcedair furnaces; seal flues in the fireplaces 

you don’t use; install drapes or other 

coverings on your windows; and seal 

holes around your plumbing and heating 

pipes.

•	 Check caulking and weatherstripping, 

and repair if necessary.

•	 Close any foundation vents in the winter 

and open them in the summer (if you 

have a crawl space under your house).

•	 Install ceiling fans. They’ll cool you off 

in the summer and promote heating 

efficiency in the winter.

•	 Consider a “whole-house” fan. In the 

summer, it circulates cool air through the 

house and vents warm air through the 

attic. It works best at night and when the 

air is cooler outside than inside.

•	 Install a computerized thermostat that 

will automatically lower the indoor 

temperature at night and when you’re 

away from home.
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TAKING OUT THE TRASH: Sorting Out 

Recycling Claims

Store shelves are filled with items that say they are 

eco-friendly. Some products that claim to be better 

for the environment live up to the hype. Others 

don’t. Claims that a product or packaging is 

“environmentally friendly,” “eco-safe,” 

or “better for the environment” may sound 

good, but may not deliver on their 

promises. Look for products that explain 

why they are better for the environment.

Translating “Eco-Speak”

Understanding terms like “recyclable,” 

“biodegradable,” and “ozone friendly” can 

help you protect the environment and make 

better buying decisions.

“Recycled”—“Recycled” and “recyclable” may sound 

alike, but they mean very different things. If a label says 

a product is “recycled,” check for more details. Unless 

the product or package is made of 100% recycled 

materials, the label must tell you how much is recycled. 

A product that says it’s recycled from “post-consumer” 

material means that it’s made from previously used 

products like newspapers, plastic bottles, glass 

containers, or aluminum cans. A product that says it’s 

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recycled from “pre-consumer” material may be made 

of scraps from the factory. For example, a company 

making envelopes might recycle paper clippings left 

over from the manufacturing process to make other 

paper goods.

“Recyclable”—Claims on labels and advertising that a 

product is “recyclable” mean that it can be collected 

and used again or can be made into other useful 

products. A “recyclable” product is a good choice for 

the environment only if your community offers a 

recycling program for that material and you follow 

their rules for recycling.

Some companies make it easy for you to recycle. For 

example, grocery stores may take back plastic grocery 

bags. Some manufacturers of ink cartridges for printers 

may let you return empty cartridges. Check with your 

local recycling or solid waste officials about what can be 

recycled in your community.

“Biodegradable” and “Photodegradable”—“Biodegradable” 

materials break down into elements found in nature 

when they are exposed to air or moisture. Cleaning 

products, like detergents and shampoos, often say 

they are “biodegradable.” Most of these products 

degrade in wastewater systems, causing no harm to 
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the manufacturer should say which one. Since some 

communities don’t accept every product or package for 

recycling that bears the symbol, check with your local 

recycling or solid waste officials before you recycle.

SPI Symbol

Manufacturers use this symbol—

developed by the Society of the Plastics 

Industry—to label the type of plastic in 

a product. SPI codes range from 1 to 7. 

Containers labeled 1 and 2, such as soda 

bottles, detergent and shampoo containers, and milk 

jugs, are the most likely to be accepted for recycling. 

Since communities have different rules about what 

they’ll accept, check with your local recycling or solid 

waste officials before you recycle.

For more information, look for the FTC’s “Green Guides” 

or call toll-free 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), 

TDD: 1-866-653-4261. EPA has information on 

recycling at www.epa.gov or from the Pollution 

Prevention Information Clearinghouse at 202-566-0799.

the environment. “Photodegradable” materials 

disintegrate when exposed to enough sunlight. 

However, the breakdown of any material happens very 

slowly in landfills, where most garbage is taken. Even 

“biodegradable” materials like paper or food may take 

decades to break down because they’re buried under 

tons of other garbage. Just because a product claims 

to be “biodegradable” or “photodegradable” doesn’t 

necessarily mean that it’s better for the environment, 

especially if it winds up in a landfill.

“Compostable”—Composting turns certain things into 

compost—a material that enriches the soil and returns 

nutrients to the earth. Some people compost yard 

trimmings and food scraps. Many communities collect 

leaves, grass, and other yard waste for composting. 

When you see a “compostable” claim on a product or 

package, it means the product can be tossed into your 

backyard compost pile. If you don’t have your own 

composting pile, you might be able to take products to 

a municipal composting facility.

Secret Symbols

Certain symbols on a product or package can tell you 

whether it’s recyclable or if it’s made from recycled 

materials. Deciphering those symbols can help you 

make better decisions for the environment.

“Chasing arrows” symbol

Many products display this symbol. 

Sometimes it means that a product or 

package is made of recycled materials. 

Other times it means that the product or 

package is recyclable. If only one of these claims is true, 

on the web:

www.ftc.gov

www.epa.gov

 TRASH ROOM ENERGY SAVERS

•	 Participate in your community’s recycling

program. Don’t throw something that can be

recycled into the trash.

•	 Look for the recycling symbol. Buy products

that use recycled components or that can be

recycled.

•	 Start a compost pile.

•	 To help your community save the time and

money it spends separating the items it

recycles from the ones it doesn’t, find out

which are appropriate for the recycling bins.

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FUEL ECONOMY: Getting Up 

to Speed

When gasoline prices go up, you look for 

ways to get better mileage from your car 

or truck. Whether you’re shopping for a 

new car or maintaining the one you have, 

here are some tips that will save you money.

Use the Octane Level You Need. Your owner’s 

manual tells you the recommended octane level [regular 

(usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane), and 

premium (usually 92 or 93 octane)] for your car. For 

most cars, that’s regular octane. Unless your engine is 

knocking, buying a higher octane than your car needs is 

pouring money down the drain.

Beware of “Gas-Saving” Gadgets. Be skeptical 

about devices that claim to boost your mileage. 

EPA has tested over 100 of them—everything from 

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mixture “enhancers” to fuel line magnets—and none 

offered substantial savings. Some devices may even 

damage your engine or increase emissions. For more 

information and a list of tested products, visit the EPA’s 

Consumer Information website at www.epa.gov.

Consider the Alternatives. Alternative Fuel Vehicles 

(AFVs) operate on fuels like methanol, ethanol, 

compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or 

electricity. Driving a car that uses an alternative fuel 

may reduce harmful pollutants. The law requires labels 

on all new AFVs to give estimated cruising range and 

other important information. Compare before you 

buy. Find out how many miles a new AFV travels on 

a “tank” of fuel. Some don’t go as far as gas-powered 

cars.

Drive More Efficiently. Smart drivers know that 

speeding can cost you at the pump. To make the most of 

your gas dollar:
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on the web:

www.epa.gov/otaq/

consumer.htm

www.eere.energy.gov

www.fueleconomy.gov

•	 Stay within posted speed limits. Gas mileage

decreases at speeds above 60 miles per hour.

•	 Improve your mileage up to 5% by avoiding quick

starts and stops. Anticipate traffic conditions and 

drive gently.

•	 Avoid unnecessary idling. It wastes fuel, costs you

money, and pollutes the air. Turn off the engine if you 

anticipate a wait.

•	 Combine errands. Several short trips can use twice as

much fuel as one trip covering the same distance.

•	 Use overdrive gears and cruise control when appropriate. They improve highway fuel economy.

•	 Remove items from your trunk. An extra 100 pounds

in the trunk can reduce fuel economy by up to 2%.

•	 Don’t pack items on top of your car unless you have

to. The wind resistance of a loaded roof rack can 

reduce fuel economy by 5%.

Maintain Your Car

•	 Keep your engine tuned according to your owner’s

manual to increase gas mileage by an average of 4%.

•	 Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned to

increase gas mileage up to 3%.

•	 Change your oil according to the schedule in your

owner’s manual and use the manufacturer’s recommended grade. Motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the label contains friction-reducing 

additives that can improve fuel economy.

•	 Replace air filters regularly. Clogged filters can

reduce gas mileage up to 10%.

GARAGE ENERGY SAVERS 

•	 Use the octane level your car’s

manufacturer recommends.

•	 Beware of “gas saving” gadgets that

claim to boost mileage.

•	 Consider Alternative Fuel Vehicles if

you’re in the market for a new car.

•	 Drive more efficiently—observe the

posted speed limit and avoid quick

starts and stops.

•	 Maintain your car, truck, or

motorcycle—keep it tuned, check your

tires, and change oil and filters regularly.

•	 Leave your car at home and consider

walking, bicycling, or public transportation whenever you can.

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To learn more about alternative fuel vehicles, call 

the Department of Energy’s National Alternative 

Fuels Hotline at 1–877–EERE–INF (1–877–337–3463) 

or visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center at 

www.eere.energy.gov. Visit www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information about saving money at the 

gas pump.
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ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES: 

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

You’re on a budget and need a new 

refrigerator. The best buy is the fridge 

with the lowest price, right? Not 

necessarily. How much an appliance costs 

depends on three things: purchase price, 

repair and maintenance costs, and energy 

costs. To estimate how much you’ll spend on 

an appliance over time, you have to consider 

all these costs.

Energy efficiency is an important part of any decision. 

All new major home appliances must meet government 

energy conservation standards. Many appliances 

exceed these standards and can save you even more 

money. What makes one appliance more efficient than 

another? Most of the differences are on the inside. Even 

if two models look the same, certain features can mean 

a big difference in your energy bills.

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Enter the EnergyGuide. 

Manufacturers must 

use standard tests that 

let you compare the 

annual energy use of 

different models. The law requires manufacturers to put 

these labels on the inside or outside of many types of 

appliances. Labels are not required on dryers, ranges, 

and microwaves. If you don’t see a yellow EnergyGuide 

label, ask a salesperson for it.

The EnergyGuide label can tell you:

•	 capacity,

•	 estimated operating costs and estimated annual

energy consumption (for refrigerators, freezers, 

dishwashers, clothes washers, and water heaters), 

and

•	 energy efficiency rating (the range of estimated

annual energy consumption) of similar appliances.

Even a small benefit in energy efficiency can have a big 

payoff over the life of the appliance. The FTC’s 
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For more information, visit the Department of Energy’s 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network 

website at www.energysavers.gov or call toll-free 

1–877–EERE–INF (1–877–337–3463). Your state and 

local energy offices and local utility company may also 

have valuable information on ways to save.

Appliance Energy Database website at www.ftc.gov/

appliancedata posts results from energy efficiency tests.

While shopping, look for the 

Energy Star logo. To earn the 

logo, appliances must meet strict 

standards set by the Environmental 

Protection Agency or the 

Department of Energy. Since 

Energy Star products use less 

energy, they can save you money 

and help protect the environment. Learn more about 

the Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov.

To make an energy-smart decision:

•	 Select the appropriate size and style. Measure the 

space in your kitchen to be sure your new appliance 

will fit. Make sure that you have room to open the 

door fully and have enough clearance for ventilation.

•	 Factor in the operating cost as well as the purchase price. Check out your choices for refrigerators, 

washers, and dishwashers on the FTC’s Appliance 

Energy Database. Use the EnergyGuide label to compare choices. Look for the Energy Star logo to find the 

most energy-efficient models.

•	 Know where to shop. Appliance outlets, electronics 

stores, local retailers, and Internet sites often carry 

the same brands and models. Once you’ve narrowed 

your choices, compare deals.

•	 Ask about special offers. Your local utility company 

may offer cash rebates, low-interest loans, or other 

incentive programs if you buy energy-efficient 

appliances.

on the web:

www.ftc.gov/

appliancedata

www.energystar.gov

www.energysavers.gov

KITCHEN ENERGY SAVERS 

•	 Move your refrigerator away from the

stove, dishwasher, or heat vents. Make

sure the door seals are airtight.

•	 Wait until your dishwasher is full before

you run it but don’t overload it.

•	 Use pots that fit the size of the burners

on your stove. Use lids so you can

cook at a lower temperature.

•	 Match the water level and temperature

settings on your washer to the size of

your load. Don’t fill the machine for just

a few items.

•	 Clean your dryer lint filter before you

put in a new load.

•	 Make sure your water heater is set to

120 degrees. Some thermostats are

preset to 140 degrees, which can cost

you more money.

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SHEDDING LIGHT ON BUYING 

BULBS: A Bright Idea

Energy efficient lighting can save you 

money. The law requires light bulb 

manufacturers to provide information to 

help you choose the most energy efficient 

bulb. For all standard bulbs, including 

halogen, reflector, and compact fluorescent

bulbs, the package must tell you about:

•	 Light output: How much light the bulb produces, 

measured in lumens. A 60-watt regular incandescent 

bulb yields about 855 lumens. A 15-watt compact 

fluorescent bulb yields about 900 lumens.

•	 Energy usage: The total electrical power a bulb uses, 

measured in watts.

•	 Voltage: If the bulb is not 120 volts, the voltage must 

appear on the label. Most bulbs run on 120 volts. 

Light output and efficiency decrease when you use 

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a bulb with voltage that is different from the voltage 

you use in your house. Most places in the United 

States operate on a 120-volt system.

•	 Average life in hours: How long the bulb will last.

•	 Number of light bulbs in the package (if more than 

one).

What do you need from a light bulb? You want the 

right amount of light, and you want it to last a long 

time, especially if it’s for a hard-to-reach place. But 

you don’t want it to add to your electric bill. You can 

get everything you want if you use a little energy 

know-how.

Highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs may cost

more than regular incandescent bulbs, but their efficient 

use of electricity and long operating life can offset 

the cost. Here’s how: Suppose your living room table 

lamp is turned on for 1,000 hours a year and your local 

electric utility charges eight cents per kilowatt hour. 
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A regular incandescent 60-watt bulb will cost less to 

buy, but will need to be replaced at least once a year. 

Compare that to a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb,

which may cost you more than a regular incandescent 

bulb, but may last you as long as 10 years. And your 

savings don’t end there. The compact fluorescent

bulb costs significantly less than the standard bulb to 

operate. The benefits of compact fluorescent bulbs?

Lower operating costs, longer life, and a more efficient 

use of energy.

on the web:

www.energysavers.gov

www.eere.energy.gov/

consumer/tips

LIVING ROOM ENERGY SAVERS

Your local grocery or home store offers a dazzling array of light bulbs. Here’s “watt” you need to know before you 

buy.

Regular incandescent bulbs. Everyday pear-shaped bulbs with a screw-in base use electricity to heat a filament 

until it glows white hot, producing light. About 90% of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs is lost as heat. 

These bulbs typically burn for 750 to 1,000 hours—or about three hours a day for a year.

Compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs provide as much light as regular incandescent bulbs while using just onefourth the energy. For example, a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb gives out the same amount of light as a 60-watt 

incandescent bulb. Compact fluorescent bulbs last about 10,000 hours—10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Incandescent spotlights and floodlights. Known as spotlights or floodlights, these bulbs are used in recessed 

ceiling fixtures or outdoors. A special coating helps direct and focus the light. They burn for about 2,000 hours.

Halogen bulbs. These bulbs contain a small capsule filled with halogen gas, which emits a bright white light. While 

standard halogen bulbs use less energy and last longer than standard incandescent bulbs, DOE cautions that 

halogen torchieres, frequently used in floor lamps, generate excessive heat, which can create fire hazards. Halogen 

torchieres also use significant amounts of energy. When possible, DOE recommends using more efficient compact 

fluorescent lamp bulbs instead. For more information, visit the DOE Energy Savers website at 

www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips. 

General service fluorescent bulbs. More energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, general service fluorescent 

bulbs don’t produce heat. They’re thin, long tubes often used in kitchens, offices, garages, and basements. They 

last from 10,000 to 20,000 hours—10 to 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

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For more information, visit the Department of 

Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

Network website at www.energysavers.gov or call 

toll-free 1–877–EERE–INF (1–877–337–3463).
12

and cooling systems (gas, oil, or electric) you have. 

Your attic is the best place to start. The Department 

of Energy has an online calculator to help you decide 

what’s right for you. Visit the Zip Code Insulation 

Program website at www.ornl.gov. For more information about insulation, visit the Energy Savers 

website at www.energysavers.gov, or call 

1–877–EERE–INF (1–877–337–3463).

INSULATION & WINDOWS: It’s What’s 

Upstairs That Counts

No matter where you live, your home will be more 

comfortable and cost less to heat and cool with the right 

insulation. That could mean more money in your pocket 

all year round.

Unless your home was designed with energy efficiency 

in mind, adding insulation can be a good way to save 

money. Most older homes were built without 

much insulation, which can mean high energy 

bills. Even if your home is new, more 

insulation can pay for itself in a few years 

and increase your home’s resale value.

The ABCs of Insulation

The FTC requires insulation 

manufacturers and sellers to test and label 

their products. Generally, the higher the

“R-value” the more energy you can save. When 

you buy insulation, installers and retailers have 

to give you an R-value fact sheet. New home sellers 

must give you information about the type, thickness, 

and R-value of the insulation in each part of the house. 

Many state or local building codes include minimum 

requirements for home insulation. Be sure your new 

home or home addition meets those codes. It will save 

you money in the long run.

The amount of insulation you need depends on the 

climate, the part of the house, and the type of heating 

ATTIC ENERGY SAVERS 

•	 If you’re in the market for new

windows, consider high-efficiency

alternatives. Look for the National

Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)

label, an independent industry rating

system for the energy performance of

windows, doors, and skylights.

•	 Look for windows made of low

emissivity—or “low-E”—glass. Low-E

glass has a special thin coating that

lets in light, but reduces heat transfer.

In warmer climates, consider windows

with “spectrally selective coatings”—

glazes that let light in, but keep heat

out. In colder climates, select windows

that are gas-filled to reduce heat loss.

•	 Plant a tree. Landscaping is a natural

way to shade your home. Well-placed

trees and shrubs not only save on air

conditioning costs, but add value to

your property, too.

•	 Shade room air conditioners from

direct sun to reduce their workload.

Clean the filters once a month and

replace them as necessary.

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on the web:

www.ornl.gov/~roofs/

Zip/ZipHome.html

www.energysavers.gov

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The Federal Trade 

Commission (FTC) is 

the nation’s consumer 

protection champion. 

The FTC works for the 

consumer to prevent fraud, 

deception, and unfair 

business practices in the 

marketplace.

The FTC provides the 

information consumers 

need to spot and avoid 

fraud and deception. 

Consumers can contact 

the FTC for free information 

on a wide range of issues, 

including:

•	 Advertising

•	 Buying, leasing, and 

renting cars

•	 Credit

•	 Debt collection

•	 Employment and job 

placement

•	 Identity theft

•	 Investment schemes

•	 Online shopping

•	 Scholarship scams

•	 Sweepstakes

•	 Telemarketing

•	 Work-at-home schemes

 . . . and more
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20580

1–877–FTC–HELP (1–877–382–4357)

www.ftc.gov

2006