Energy: Eco-Friendly Checklist
When you think of energy savings in a home, you mind might go straight to big, costly projects like solar panel installation. While that is a great step to consider to improve the energy efficiency and carbon impact of your home, that’s not the only option to consider.
There are many smaller projects and adjustments that you can start today to reduce your home’s carbon footprint in regards to energy use.
This is by no means a complete list, but it is a great starting point to get us thinking sustainably!
Want to check out more than just this topic? See our full eco-friendly home checklist!
Checklist
- Switch off all lights when you don’t need them
- Switch off all electrical appliances (at the wall) when not in use
- On/off power strips for electronics
- Clean refrigerator coils
- Install photovoltaic panels on your roof
- LED lights
- Replace your old fridge with an energy efficient fridge
- Air dry your clothes
- Solar water heater
- Solar panels
- Use landscape lighting fixtures that use solar energy for power
Download & Print
You can make a copy of this checklist in Google Sheets, allowing you to customize however you see fit. You can also print a copy from Google Sheets once it’s copied if desired.
View the sheet first and make a copy via File > Make a copy or simply click the “Make a Copy” button below.
Switch off all lights when you don't need them
We all know one of those habitual 'leave every light on' people. Don't be that person! Turning off lights when you aren't using them saves energy and money.
Switch off all electrical appliances (at the wall) when not in use
Many people let appliances run 24/7. Turning off appliances can save energy and money.
On/off power strips for electronics
Using power strips that give easier control of turning power on or off with a switch can make controlling your electricity usage much more convenient.
Use landscape lighting fixtures that use solar energy for power
Outdoor lighting can really bring a backyard to life, but running electricity can be costly and wasteful. Instead, opt for solar powered outdoor lighting.
Clean refrigerator coils
According to the Consumer Energy Center, cleaning refrigerator coils can result in up to a 30% reduction in energy that your fridge uses. (1) Not only that, but you'll save money too - an average of 11% energy cost savings (2).
Air dry your clothes
Depending on the season and your location, this may be easier for some people than others. Air drying your clothes on a line can save all of the energy used by your dryer.
LED lights
You can find LED replacements to your standard bulb fixtures for just about any light and they save huge amounts of energy - at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer (3)
Replace your old fridge with an energy efficient fridge
If your fridge is very old, you could see upwards of 50% or even 70% energy savings in some cases by upgrading to a newer energy efficient refrigerator. This can be more costly up front, but will also save you significantly on energy cost compared to an older, inefficient fridge.
Solar water heater
Solar water heaters may cost a few thousand dollars to have installed, but the savings are significant. Estimated utility cost savings from a solar water heater are between 50 - 80%! (4)
Install photovoltaic panels on your roof
Photovoltaic panels are slightly different from solar panels in the way that they convert energy. They can be used to compliment each other rather than competing or being redundant.
Solar panels
Solar panels on your home may be a large undertaking, but they can save monthly energy costs significantly. A home with solar panels' carbon footprint is approximately 20 times less than that of a home powered by fossil fuels (5).
Natural Replacements references research from industry experts and reputable industry publishers to support claims or data in our content when applicable. Learn more about our publishing standards and practices in our editorial guidelines.
- The Huffington Post - Cleaning Your Refrigerator Properly: 4 Tips to Save Energy and Money
Accessed: August 27, 2022 - EnergyStar.gov - How to Cut Utility Costs in Your Commercial Kitchen
Accessed: August 27, 2022 - Energy.gov - LED Lighting
Accessed: August 27, 2022 - Angi - How Much Does a Solar Water Heater Cost?
Accessed: August 27, 2022 - CoolEffect.org - Carbon Footprint of Solar Panel Manufacturing
Accessed: August 27, 2022 - EnergyCenter.org - How much does a typical residential solar electric system cost?
Accessed: August 27, 2022
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Citations for This Article
APA
Plonkey, Jim. (October 30, 2022). Energy: Eco-Friendly Checklist. Natural Replacements. Retrieved January 22, 2025, from https://naturalreplacements.com/learn/household/energy-eco-friendly-checklist/
MLA
Plonkey, Jim. "Energy: Eco-Friendly Checklist." Natural Replacements, https://naturalreplacements.com/learn/household/energy-eco-friendly-checklist/
Chicago
Plonkey, Jim. "Energy: Eco-Friendly Checklist." Natural Replacements, Last modified October 30, 2022. https://naturalreplacements.com/learn/household/energy-eco-friendly-checklist/
