How many Oregonians does it take to screw in an energy efficient light bulb? The answer is just one, and the results are big. Each standard bulb you replace with a compact fluorescent light will keep one ton of CO2out of the atmosphere and last long enough to save you the cost of purchasing 5 old-fashioned light bulbs.
Many homes use twice the energy necessary for heating, and the primary culprit is leakage. Single paned windows can let out 25% of the heat in a room, so if your current windows are single-glazed, storm windows will add an extra layer of protection. The hot water tank is the second largest energy eater, so set your tank to 120°F and wash clothes in cold water.

When you shop for new appliances buy those with the Energy Star logo. Search online for rebates at northwestenergystar.com. We found the following rebates for Portland General Electric customers: $75 back for water heaters and clothes washers, and $150 for gas furnaces. Customers of Northwest Natural can get up to $2.00/sq.ft back on efficient windows, and up to $950 on weatherization. Energy efficiency can also qualify you for an Oregon income tax credit of up to 25% off the purchase price of efficient appliances and heating systems. Customers of EWEB will find discounts on Energy Star appliances such as $25 off a dishwasher or refrigerator and up to $70 off a clothes washer.

Lighting is one of the greatest users of home energy, so choose Energy Star lighting fixtures and replace conventional bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75% less energy. If you haven’t calculated your home energy use with the carbon counter, go to carboncounter.org to find out how much CO2you create and how to offset it.