Want to save max energy (and money) the next time you go out of town? Flip off breakers on large appliances (the ones you can’t move to unplug) when you leave your house for extended periods. For every day energy trimming, unplug out-of-use appliances such as coffee makers, microwaves, cell-phone chargers, computers and lamps. Large appliances like water heaters and washers and dryers are usually much more difficult to unplug on a daily basis, due to their large size. Consider plugging these mammoth machines into power-strips with surge-protectors than can simply be flipped off when you’re not using them. Flipping the breaker at the fuse-box will also cut the energy flowing to your sleeping appliances. The less energy your stuff uses, the smaller your footprint (and your bill).

Thanks to Candace Waltz for suggesting this tip!
(Photo by Jesse Hove)