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What steps have you taken? Share to win!
What steps have you taken? Share to win!
Every step you take gets us closer to 500 community energy actions. Earn a raffle entry and a chance to win great energy-saving prizes for every action you tell us about.
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz.
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz.
Take 2 minutes and run down our quick checklist of gadget green-up action ideas. Tell us how the Chittenden Energy and Climate Committee can help you go further. Taking the quiz counts for an action and raffle entry!
Gadget Green-Up Action Ideas
Gadget Green-Up Action Ideas
Estimate Your Electric Use
Estimate Your Electric Use
How much power does your home use? Try this simplified home electricity calculator from Efficiency Vermont to se how much power home appliances and devices typically consume. Contact your utility providers or log into a dashboard to find out how much energy your home actually costs and what rate you pay.
Look for the highest-usage areas to start cutting back. And track your home's use over time to see whether your efforts are making a difference.
Get "Smarter" Lighting, Heating, and Charging
Get "Smarter" Lighting, Heating, and Charging
Burning through energy? A universe of "smart" or energy-efficient fixtures and gadgets that make it easier than ever to save money and energy. See available rebates from Efficiency Vermont.
Stop "vampire" or "trickle" energy waste from devices you aren't using with power strips
Replace outdated lighting with LEDs, "smart" lightbulbs, Energy Star products, and high-efficiency fixtures
Install digital or "smart" thermostats to program heating and cooling and control it from your device
Use smart plugs to turn devices on and off from your mobile device
Use motion sensors or timers to turn off lighting when not in use
Use rechargeable AA or AAA batteries to power small home devices (see a review of top brands)
Use solar-powered radios, flashlights, and small devices (or small, portable solar panels and chargers)
Invest in Green Tools and Appliances
Invest in Green Tools and Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances and electric power tools make it easy to reduce emissions, save water and power, and get the job done. See available rebates from Efficiency Vermont.
Replace older appliances with Energy Star or efficient models (refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer, microwave, etc.)
Clean appliance air filters and systems regularly for maximum efficiency
Replace gas-powered yard and garden tools with electric or people-powered models (lawnmower, weed trimmer, chainsaw, etc.)
Install low-flow showerheads and faucet adapters to save water and lower utility costs
Small Steps and Greener Habits
Small Steps and Greener Habits
You can save an amazing amount of energy without spending a dime -- just by making a few small changes to your habits. Try these steps when you have a chance.
Unplug or fully switch off devices when not in use (start with TVs, stereos, gaming systems and computers)
Turn down your thermostat and water heater down a degree or two
Wash clothes in cold water with high-efficiency detergent
Clean out your email inbox and unsubscribe from newsletters to reduce your carbon footprint
Turn off lights and devices when leaving a room
Pull shades to keep heat in or out (depending on the season)
Fill up your chest freezer to trap cold air in (use milk jugs filled with water, packing peanuts, bricks, or anything to take up space and hold in the cold)
Open shades and make use of natural daylight
Clean and maintain HVAC and appliance filters regularly to maximize efficiency
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