California Energy Commission Launches Watt’s Up Videos with Energy Conservation Tips
In celebration of Earth Day, the California Energy Commission (CEC) is launching Watt’s Up, a video series that educates and entertains households about all things energy – from energy saving tips to programs.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, residential energy use has increased by 20 percent as more people in California are working and learning from home. Our first episode outlines what you can do to reduce your energy consumption. The tips are small tweaks that can save you big bucks on your energy bill.
Here are some simple steps you can take right now:
- Lighting
- •Take advantage of natural daylight instead of flipping the switch.
- •Use task lighting like a desk lamp to avoid unnecessary energy.
- •Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED lights that are 75 percent more efficient and last 25 times longer. You can use the same LED bulbs every day for about a decade without ever needing a replacement.
The home office
- •Activate sleep and power management settings on electronic devices.
- •Use smart strips to better manage power.
- •Unplug phone chargers, power strips (those without a switch) and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
- •Clean your filters: A dirty filter forces your air conditioner and furnace to work harder, wasting money, energy or natural gas.
- •Turn off your AC when you leave home.
- •Check your AC manual for energy saving tips for your specific model.
Learn more by visiting Flex Alert and Energy Upgrade California.
