The top five energy consumers for a typical Hawaii household include hot water, refrigeration, air-conditioning, clothes drying, and electric lighting. Because much of that energy is wasted, small changes you make can go a long way and save you money. Here lists behaviors and actions you can take to use the energy you need more efficiently.

WATER HEATING CONTROLS

  • Turn the temperature of your electric water heater down to a warm setting (120°F).
  • Install tank insulation, a heat trap, or a timer on your electric water heater (cost is less than $100).
  • Install a low-flow showerhead and take short showers instead of baths.
  • Wash only full loads of clothes; use cold water whenever possible.
  • Fully load your dishwasher before running it and air-dry dishes instead of using the drying cycle.

 

 

REFRIGERATION

 

  • Keep your door closed as often as possible.
  • Place your fridge in a cool place.
  • Allow circulation behind the fridge.
  • Don't keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Recommended temperatures are between 35° to 38°F for the fresh food compartment and 5°F for the freezer compartment. If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, it should be kept at 0°F.
  • Consider purchasing a new ENERGY STAR unit. When doing so, be sure to participate in Hawaii Energy’s Refrigerator/Bounty Program providing you with the incentive of surrendering your old unit and free pick-up (restrictions apply).

 

 

AIR-CONDITIONING

 

  • Use ceiling fans and natural ventilation instead of air-conditioning. The cooling cross-breezes of Hawaii’s trade winds can save a lot of energy.
  • Place your air-conditioning in a spot that shades it from the sun and doesn’t block airflow.
  • Keep your filters clean.
  • Close your windows and curtains when using the appliance.
  • Keep your setting at the highest temperature possible.
  • Replace barely working units.
  • Use timers.

 

 

WASHER/DRYER

 

  • When using a washing machine, always use a cold water detergent.
  • Wash cloths in cold water and activate the high spin speed option.
  • Hang clean laundry outdoors on a rack or line to dry naturally.
  • Don't over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it.
  • Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.
  • Leave your washer and dryer doors open after usage.

 

 

LIGHTING

 

  • Switch from incandescent light bulbs to either compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) OR Light-Emitting Diodes (LED).
    • CFLs use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer. By replacing just one 100-watt light bulb that's turned on six hours a day, you can save about $50 a year.
    • LED lights typically use less power (watts) per unit of light generated. LED lamps last about 10x longer than CFLs, generates less heat, and are considered more sustainable lighting using less hazardous substances (i.e. Mercury).
  • Installing solar lighting outside your home is quick and easy with an added bonus—no wires or electricity costs.

 

100 Watts
750 Hours
Cost to use: $32.85 per year		 26 Watts
8,000 Hours
$24.31 savings per year, per bulb.		 7.8-watts
25-30 years under normal use
More than $40 savings per year, per bulb.

 

ENERGY SNEAKERS

 

  • Plug home electronics into smart power strips. This will eliminate "phantom loads" from home electronics and phone chargers. These phantom loads can account for as much as 15% of your energy bill.
  • Water consumption is one of Hawaii’s largest energy consumer. Pouring unnecessary amounts of water down your drain is just as bad as throwing money away. Therefore, if you save water, you save electricity, and money.
    • Indoor measures: Limit water usage in your toilets, use efficient showerheads, limit faucet usage, and use dish and clothes washers.
    • Outdoor measures: use efficient irrigation and planting methods, and consider using rain barrels for water catchment.

 


Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative