Save money with energy-efficient TVs, computers and monitors. Look for ENERGY STAR® electronics with the SMUD SAVE or SAVE MORE labels that use up to 30% less energy.

PARTICIPATING RETAILERS SMUD works with manufacturers and local retailers to make it easy to find energy-efficient electronics.   RECYCLE Recycling is good for the environment. SMUD recommends the following locations to properly dispose of and recycle electronics. Waste Management Sacramento County   To research and review energy-efficient electronics, click here. For a list of products that qualify for the SMUD SAVE or SAVE MORE label, click here. More Ways to Save Today and Save Tomorrow SAVE ENERGY AT HOME Cut down on greenhouse gases with a new electric mower. SMUD's Mow Down event is for 1 day only, March 17th. More info. FEDERAL TAX CREDIT Federal tax credits available on energy-efficiency home improvements.

Electronics

• TVs with the ENERGY STAR® - SMUD SAVE MORE label use about 30% less energy than standard models.
• Monitors with the ENERGY STAR® - SMUD SAVE label use about 25-60% less electricity than standard models.
• Desktops with the ENERGY STAR® - SMUD SAVE label save up to 76 kWh per year.
• Most electronic equipment and chargers draw standby power even when turned "off" Unplug these "energy vampires" or turn them off at the power strip when not in use.

ENERGY STAR^® Compact Fluorescent Lights

• Use up to 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb.
• Last about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb, requiring fewer bulb replacements.
• An ENERGY STAR CFL will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in 6 months.
• Come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit most applications.
• CFLs emit less heat, making them cooler to the touch and safer.
• Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL will keep a half-ton of CO2 out of the atmosphere over the life of the bulb.
• RECYCLE. RECYCLE. RECYCLE. CFLs must be disposed of properly. Click here for information on recycling CFLs and recycling locations.

Appliances

• Refrigerators are one of the largest energy consumers in a home. Maintain its efficiency by cleaning the coils at the back or bottom of the unit.
• Choose an ENERGY STAR® model when shopping for a new fridge.
• An old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer could be costing you up to $125 a year in energy costs. SMUD will pay you $35 to recycle it and will even pick it up. more

Ceiling fans

• Ceiling fans and other fans create air movement that makes you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, allowing you set the A/C thermostat higher and save energy.
• Turn off fans when you leave the room.
• Replace your ceiling fan's incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) -- they emit less heat and use a fraction of the electricity.

Equipment

• Set the thermostat on your heater at 68 degrees when you are at home and at 55 degrees at night or when you are away from home.
• During the winter, open the drapes on sunny days to let in the sun’s heat. Close them at night or on cloudy days.
• Check your air filters monthly -- dirty air filters can lower your cooling capacity and use more energy.
• Have your heating and cooling system serviced every year or two to ensure long-lasting performance.
• The average home loses 20 percent of its heating/cooling through cracked or leaky ducts. SMUD contractors can diagnose the integrity of your home's central system. more