Energy efficiency begins at home—and there is a lot you can do to save energy. Take advantage of Hawaii State Efficiency Programs and begin saving money by reducing your energy consumption through the following:

1. Energy Audits
Understanding exactly how much energy your home consumes is your first step in becoming energy efficient. It's important to know where the saving opportunities are before you invest in home improvements. You can start by engaging in either of the following:

- Home Energy Monitor Systems provide homeowners and renters with prompt and convenient feedback on home electric and energy use. With near real-time data updates and historical data display, individuals can identify energy consumers and observe and make change to see savings. It is one the most effective methods for learning about your home energy use and data to help make efficient changes.

- As a cost savings option, individuals may also conduct a simplified energy audit themselves using the U.S. Department of Energy Do-it yourself Home Assessments.

2. Federal & State Financing Programs
Creating a clean energy lifestyle begins with energy efficiency. Although behavior changes through energy waste elimination is the quickest, simplest, and cheapest method; it is essential to be thinking of appliance upgrades. Doing so, however, requires upfront finances. And to help address the cost burden of investing in efficiency upgrades, programs such as Hawaii Energy, DSIRE USA, and ENERGY STAR are created to put money back into your wallet with cash rebates and other financial incentives. With the combination of such rebate and incentive programs, your energy-saving investment will pay for itself and keep on saving you money through the years.

3. Behavior Tips
The top five energy consumers for a typical Hawaii household include hot water, refrigeration, air-conditioning, clothes drying, and electric lighting. What most Hawaii residents don't realize, however, is that most its energy use is wasted. Therefore, small behavior changes you make can go a long way and save you money. Learn about simple behaviors and actions you may take to use the energy you need more efficiently.

4. Home Improvements
Making your home more energy efficient by upgrading to efficient appliances (ex. ENERGY STAR refrigerators, air-conditioning, lighting, washing machines, and solar water heaters) can also help to reduce high energy bills while improving comfort. Improving energy efficiency is also an important first step for homeowners interested in remodeling. Whether you hire qualified professionals to assist in home improvements, or if you do it yourself, the changes you make will have a significant impact on your home energy bill.