Search terms Search New River Light & Power 100 + Ways to Conserve Resources Home Resources 100 + Ways to Conserve Resources Around the Home/Office: 1. Replace incandescent bulbs with LED's 2. Turn lights off in rooms not being used 3. Use timers on lights 4. Install dimmer switches 5. Re-seal / caulk windows 6. Install storm windows 7. Replace older windows with high-performance windows 8. Re-seal doors around the frame and the bottom 9. Replace older or damaged doors 10. Add insulation in attics and crawl spaces that border the outside 11. Repair any roof damage 12. Repair any exterior wall damage/add insulation 13. Plant trees for shade 14. Plant short dense shrubs close to foundation to insulate against cold 15. Install roof or cover on outside deck 16. Install solar panels 17. Install a wind turbine 18. Cover bare floors for heat retention 19. Install an energy-efficient heat pump 20. For winter, set thermostat to 68-70 degrees during the day and reduce it to 65-68 degrees at night 21. For Summer, set thermostat to 72-75 degrees during the day and increase to 76-78 degrees at night 22. Open windows at night to capture the cool summer breeze 23. Place fans in windows on cooler summer days instead of using the A/C 24. Lower thermostat in winter and raise it in summer when leaving the house 25. Avoid heating or cooling unused areas and rooms 26. Avoid overheating or cooling your home 27. Replace furnace and A/C filters regularly 28. Give A/C a tune up 29. Repair leaky ducts 30. Keep furniture, carpeting, and curtains from blocking registers and return ducts 31. Use shades, blinds, and drapes in summer to block the sun 32. Use/install ceiling fans 33. Close fireplace damper when not being used 34. Try not to use the fireplace and central heating at the same time 35. Turn off fireplace pilot during the summer 36. Keep garage door closed, especially in winter Regarding Appliances: 37. Discontinue using portable electric heaters 38. Replace older and damaged appliances with Energy Star rated appliances 39. Repair refrigerator door seals 40. Avoid opening refrigerator/freezer doors to browse 41. Let hot foods cool before placing in refrigerator/freezer 42. Clean the back of refrigerator regularly 43. Unplug extra refrigerator and/or freezer located in hot garage or utility room 44. Keep freezer full as it uses less energy than an empty one 45. Unplug phone charger when not in use 46. Unplug appliances not in use such as coffee maker, toaster, microwave, etc. 47. Use microwave or toaster oven to re-heat food instead of full-sized oven 48. Use a power strip for electronics that can be easily turned off when not in use 49. Turn off computer or use sleep mode 50. Fill up dishwasher before running 51. Turn off dishwasher heated dry setting and open door to air dry 52. Wash and dry only full loads of clothes 53. Wash clothes with cold water 54. Vent dryer to the outside 55. Avoid over drying clothes 56. Hang clothes to air dry 57. Grill out instead of cooking on the stove and/or oven 58. Only run kitchen and bathroom fans as long as necessary 59. Check hot water pipes for leaks 60. Turn off water heater when going on vacation 61. Install a solar water heater 62. Wrap insulation around water heater 63. Reduce water heater temperature setting to 120 degrees 64. Install a water heater timer 65. Turn off humidifier or dehumidifier when no longer needed 66. Keep generator (if applicable) well-tuned to be prepared for possible power outages Water: 67. Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for plant watering 68. Take shorter showers 69. Take a shower instead of a bath, uses less hot water 70. Capture cold water when running tap for warm or hot water, and re-use (plant watering, coffee maker, etc.) 71. Install a low-flow shower head 72. Turn water off while brushing teeth 73. Check faucets and toilets for leaks 74. Flush toilet every other time (with liquid waste) 75. Make sure toilet handle doesn't stick after flushing 76. Avoid overwatering with sprinkler system 77. Water garden and/or yard early morning or late afternoon to avoid high evaporation 78. Landscape with drought tolerant plants 79. Mulch around plants to help conserve water 80. Utilize spring for irrigation on property (if applicable) 81. Minimize vehicle washing Vehicles and Transportation: 82. A properly tuned and oiled vehicle with correct tire pressure will get better mileage per gallon 83. Trade in gas vehicle for an electric or hybrid vehicle 84. Ride a bike 85. Walk instead of driving 86. Ride a scooter 87. Carpool or rideshare 88. Use public transportation 89. Telecommute if possible 90. Try a stay-cation instead of traveling for a vacation 91. Shop local and online 92. Park in central location for errands and walk to each stop Miscellaneous: 93. Wear season/weather appropriate clothing 94. Wear clothing a second time 95. Sleep with an extra blanket for warmth 96. Dine by candlelight 97. Retire to bed 30 minutes earlier and turn off lights 98. Turn off the TV and play games, tell stories, play instruments, etc. 99. Walk/run outside or at the mall instead of using an electric treadmill 100. Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones 101. Use cloth towels and napkins instead of disposable ones 102. Purchase fruits & vegetables loose instead of using a plastic bag 103. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store 104. Mend and repair clothing instead of replacing and discarding Home Energy Audits AEC Energy Extension Program 100 + Ways to Conserve Resources Customer Letter Archive Frequently Asked Questions Safety Information Temperature Calendar Tips for Lowering Your Power Bill Contact Us Customer Service Phone: (828) 264-3671 (including new service and billing) Fax: (828) 262-6726 Office Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday; excluding holidays Warehouse Phone: (828) 264-8621 (including outages and 24-hour emergency repair) Questions or Comments? Please contact us. Contact New River Light & Power 146 Faculty Street Extension P.O. Box 1130 Boone, NC 28607 Shipping Address: 220 Winkler's Creek Road Boone, NC 28607 Phone: (828) 264-3671 Links Home Disclaimer EO Policy Privacy Policy Login Networking Twitter Facebook Instagram Copyright 2021 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.