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Home-based businesses

Saving energy for your home-based business may seem like a challenge, but there are some simple, no-cost or low-cost steps you can take to reduce your energy bills by as much as 30 percent.

Try some of the options below and check out our technical resources for small businesses  for more ways to save energy and money while preventing pollution.

No-cost options

  • Turn up or turn back the thermostat during unoccupied times.
  • Consider buying a programmable thermostat.
  • Turn off lights or office equipment at night and over the weekend.
  • Take advantage of daylight.
  • Use e-mail instead of faxes, paper memos, or letters.
  • Disconnect unnecessary equipment.

Low-cost options

  • Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors.
  • Replace light bulbs with more efficient ones. Consider changing to high-efficiency light bulbs or CFLs.
  • Install timers on lights and electric equipment.
  • Install blinds or shades to keep out summer sun and lower air-conditioning costs.
  • Fix leaky faucets, showerheads, pipes, and toilets.
  • Consider buying ENERGY STAR certified equipment, such as computers, monitors, fax machines, printers, and copiers.

Get specific recommendations from the ENERGY STAR home improvement team

First, use the Home Energy Yardstick to find out how your energy use stacks up against similar homes across the nation.

Then, use the guidance from the ENERGY STAR home improvement team to identify specific energy-saving improvements for your home. You can also view tips for common home problems and solutions.

Additional resources