5. Install a solar electric or hot water system – using the sun to make electricity or hot water can be a great way to save energy. If you have the right conditions, you can make all of your hot water and most of your electricity by installing a correctly-designed solar electric or hot water system. We have all felt the heat of the sun, even on the coldest winter day; we can use that heat to make hot water. And we can use the sun to make electricity, even when we are not home to use it. And with the federal and state incentives, it makes even more sense now than ever.
6. Don’t let the water run – a lot of us let the water run when we are brushing our teeth or shaving, or when washing dishes. It takes energy to move the water into the house, as well as heat it, so using only what we need will save energy.