Energy
The most proven solution is simple: conserve.
Over the past two decades, electricity consumption in San Diego has been on the increase. The only year it wasn’t: 2000-2001, when San Diegans responded to an energy crisis and cut consumption by as much as 12% per household.
There are alternative solutions to energy needs. But the best, most immediate solution is conservation. It also happens to be the least expensive solution.
What happens when you conserve energy?
- You help prevent outages.
- You save money.
- You help cut greenhouse gases.
STAND FOR LESS. At home.
Energy Audit: You can get one for free from most local energy companies. It will tell you how well you are using your energy and how you can make changes.
Programmable thermostat: Install one and save up to 15% on energy costs.
Light bulbs: Replace inefficient traditional bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs.
Phantom Power: Even when they’re turned off, appliances like cell phone chargers, TVs and household electronics use electricity. So unplug them or connect them to a power strip you can turn off.
Old, inefficient appliances: Replace appliances like your washer and dryer with Energy Star products and you will save as much as 30% on your monthly energy bills.
Turn off those lights: Not in a room? Turn off those lights and get comfortable using only what you need.
Thermostat settings: Set it at 70 or lower in cold months and 78 or higher in hot months. You’ll save 3% in costs for every degree you change.
Water heating: Heating your water accounts for about 13% of your home energy costs. So wash your clothes in cold, shorten your showers, and wrap your tank with jacket insulation.
Regular maintenance: Your air conditioner and heater are like your car. Keep them tuned and you’ll get more efficient performance.
Increase ceiling insulation: Increasing your insulation to up to R-38 to reduce heating costs by 5-25%.
Swimming pools: Filter your pool and spa before noon or after 6 p.m.
High-efficiency windows: Planning to replace your windows? Choose Energy Star windows and reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.
Solar at home: Is it right for you? There are tax credits and rebates that make this a great solution for homeowners.
STAND FOR LESS. At Work.
Computer monitors: Enable those energy saving features when in use.
Not at work?: Turn off your computer when and if you can. If the office is empty over the weekend, consider what else you can turn off on Friday when everyone leaves.
LCD vs CRT: An LCD monitor uses considerably less energy. A 17” LCD: around 35 watts. A 17” CRT: 90 watts.
Lights out: When employees leave their office or meeting room, encourage them to turn off those lights.
Heating and cooling: Use time controls to manage your thermostat during working hours.
Recruit a Stand For Less Champion: Who at your workplace can take the lead in energy conservation? Give them a title and let them look for more ways to save energy.
Renewable energy systems: Does it make sense for your business to switch to solar? There are now tax credits and rebates that make this a viable option for many businesses.
Check out some of our Partner pages and learn more about what each one of them is doing to conserve energy and support the movement to STAND FOR LESS.
- California Energy Commission
- California Public Utilities Commission
- California Center for Sustainable Energy
- San Diego Gas & Electric
For the most current news and information, read the standforless.com blog.