ENERGY STAR® Tips & Resources

Save Energy. Save Money. Protect the Environment.

At Ouachita Multi-Purpose Community Action Program (OMCAP, Inc), we believe that small changes at home can lead to big savings—for your household and for our planet. The following ENERGY STAR® tips and resources are designed to help you reduce energy use, lower utility bills, and improve home comfort.

10 Home Energy Efficiency Tips

Simple actions can make a real difference. Try these proven energy-saving tips:

1. Wash clothes in cold water to save up to $63 per year.

2. Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.

3. Use window shades wisely—close blinds on sunny sides during summer to block heat, and open them in winter to let warmth in.

4. Turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use. Power strips make it easy to shut off multiple items at once.

5. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. LEDs, CFLs, and halogen incandescents can reduce energy use by 30%–80%.

6. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on appliances and electronics to save up to 30% on electricity bills.

7. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce water and energy costs.

8. Clean or replace HVAC filters regularly to keep systems running efficiently.

9. Set your water heater to 130°F and wrap the tank with an insulating blanket to retain heat.

10. Seal air leaks and insulate properly to save up to 20% on heating and cooling while increasing comfort.

What Is ENERGY STAR®?

ENERGY STAR is a trusted label for energy-efficient products that meet strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ENERGY STAR® certified products:

• Are third-party tested and verified

• Use less energy without sacrificing performance

• Help lower utility bills

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The ENERGY STAR® label appears on 65+ types of products, including appliances, lighting, electronics, heating and cooling equipment, and even homes and buildings.

👉 Learn more at energystar.gov

Tips for ENERGY STAR® Certified Home Electronics

ENERGY STAR® electronics already save energy—but these tips help you save even more:

• Plug electronics into a power strip with an on/off switch and turn it off when not in use

• Unplug chargers when batteries are fully charged or not connected

• Set TVs to “Home” or “Standard” mode instead of “Retail”

• Lower screen brightness to reduce TV energy use by 18%–30%

• Always choose ENERGY STAR® when shopping for new electronics

• Recycle old electronics responsibly through local programs or charities
  👉 Learn more at epa.gov/ecycling

ENERGY STAR® Certified Home Electronics

ENERGY STAR® certified electronics use up to 50% less energy than standard models—saving money and protecting the environment.

A typical home with ENERGY STAR® TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, and home theater systems can save more than $475 over the life of the products.

Televisions

• ENERGY STAR® TVs are 20% more efficient on average

• Larger models (60”) can be up to 40% more efficient

• Efficient both when operating and when turned off

Set-Top Boxes

• ENERGY STAR® set-top boxes are 45% more efficient

• Two standard boxes can use more energy than a new refrigerator

• Ask your cable or satellite provider for ENERGY STAR® options

Home Theater Systems

• ENERGY STAR® audio/video equipment can be up to 60% more efficient

• Includes DVD/Blu-Ray players, receivers, speakers, and all-in-one systems

Cordless Phones

• ENERGY STAR® cordless phones and answering machines use about 50% less energy

• Feature smart chargers and efficient power supplies

Battery Chargers

• ENERGY STAR® battery chargers use 30% less energy

• Could save Americans $170 million annually

• Prevent emissions equal to removing 200,000 cars from the road

Help Protect the Environment

Climate change is a real and urgent challenge affecting communities worldwide. Carbon pollution from electricity production and transportation is a major contributor to rising global temperatures.

Reducing energy use helps:

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions

• Protect public health

• Preserve ecosystems

• Create a more sustainable future

👉 Learn more at epa.gov/climatechange

Do Your Part

By choosing ENERGY STAR® products and practicing energy-saving habits, you help protect your family, your community, and the environment.

If every TV, DVD player, and home theater system purchased this year were ENERGY STAR® certified:

• Over 3 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented

• Equal to removing 300,000+ cars from the road

• Saving $260 million annually in energy costs