The University of Toledo

Residence Hall Tips

Energy Conservation Tips

1. When you leave the room, turn off the light
   
   
2. Set computers, monitors, and printers to their energy saving feature and turn them off at the end of the day.
   
   
3. In the winter, turn your thermostats down to 68 degrees or below. Reduce the setting to 55 degrees before going to sleep or when leaving for the day. (For each 1 degree you turn down the thermostat in the winter, you'll save up to 5% on heating costs.)
   
   
4. Turn off non-essential lights and appliances. The electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars!
   
   
5. If your room gets too warm, turn down your thermostat and open your door.  Do not open a window.
   
   
6. Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops under cabinets.
   
   
7. Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
   
   
8. Wash your clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents whenever possible.
    
9. Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.
    
10. Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.
    
    
11. Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation.