Work Smarter, not Harder

In our electricity-driven lives, embracing energy-efficient practices is crucial. By scheduling our day wisely and using smart tech and energy-saving tips, we can reduce our carbon footprint and save on utility bills. Use this planner to optimize your energy consumption throughout the day.

Morning Routine

6-8 a.m.*

• Thermostat Check: Program your smart thermostat to adjust heating/cooling while you sleep or are away. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and optimize energy use based on when you are home.
• Shower Time: Use low-flow showerheads to save water and energy. This simple swap can significantly reduce your water heating costs without sacrificing water pressure.
• Light It Up: Switch to LED lightbulbs for an energy-efficient start to your day. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.

General Tips:

• Make use of natural light in the morning to reduce dependence on artificial lighting.
• Consider energy-efficient blinds or curtains to keep the heat in during winter and out during summer.
• Unplug chargers and small appliances that aren't in use to prevent phantom energy drain.

Work and Productivity

8 a.m.-noon*

• Computer Settings: Enable sleep mode or power-saving settings. This reduces the energy your computer uses when you're away from your desk.
• Smart Strips: Use smart power strips to turn off electronics when not in use. These strips can detect when a device is in standby mode and cut off power, saving energy.
• Natural Light: Make use of natural daylight to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Position your desk near windows to take advantage of this free resource.

1-5 p.m.*

• Power Down: Take breaks and power down devices when not in use. Short breaks can refresh you and save energy.
• Office Climate: Adjust the thermostat to energy-saving levels during working hours. Keeping the temperature a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer can make a big difference.

General Tips:

• Consider energy-efficient office equipment, such as ENERGY STAR® rated computers and printers.
• Use task lighting to focus light where it's needed most instead of lighting the entire room.
• Regularly clean and maintain office equipment to ensure it runs efficiently.

Meal Preparation and Cooking

5-7 p.m.*

• Efficient Appliances: Use induction cooktops and convection ovens. These appliances use less energy and cook food faster than traditional models.
• Meal Planning: Plan meals to minimize preheating and reheating. Batch cooking and using a slow cooker can also be energy-efficient.
• Cooking Tips: Use lids on pots to retain heat and cook more efficiently. This simple step can reduce cooking times and energy use.

General Tips:

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer full but not overcrowded to maintain efficiency.
• Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator overnight instead of using the microwave.
• Use the microwave or toaster oven for smaller meals instead of heating up the full-sized oven.

Evening and Nighttime Routine

7-10 p.m.*

• Smart Lighting: Use smart lighting systems to control brightness and timing. Set schedules for lights to turn off automatically when not needed.
• Motion Sensors: Install motion sensors to turn off lights in empty rooms. This is particularly useful for hallways and bathrooms.

10-11 p.m.*

• Shut Down: Turn off all unnecessary appliances and devices before bed. This includes unplugging chargers and turning off power strips.
• Night Mode: Set your thermostat to an energy-saving mode for the night. Cooler temperatures at night can also improve sleep quality.

General Tips:

• Consider using blackout curtains to keep rooms cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air, making heating and cooling more efficient.
• Regularly check and replace HVAC filters to keep your system running smoothly.

Efficient scheduling of your day is beneficial for both the environment and your wallet. Incorporate smart technology and energy-saving tips into your routine to reduce your carbon footprint and lower utility bills. Be a responsible energy user and contribute to a sustainable future. Don't forget to keep an eye out for your usage alerts to stay informed about your energy consumption and make adjustments as needed.