Western Mass Take Charge - from the Berkshires to the Pioneer Valley

• Lights use an average of 9% of home energy
• Every bulb used more than 1 hour/day should be a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL - the curly ones!)
• Cost $1-$10. Saving $50/bulb
• Specialty bulbs can fit almost any fixture - CET has a display of the variety of options online and in their Pittsfield office
• Put timers or motion sensors on lights that need to be on for safety or comfort

• As much as half the energy used in your home goes to heating
• Turn the heat down when no one is home or when you are sleeping
• A programmable thermostat can be set to turn down automatically
• Save 10% of your heating bill by setting the thermostat 5 degrees lower while working and sleeping
• Check the entire house or apartment and find the drafts - look for cracks and feel around windows, doors and pipes. Be sure to check under sinks and behind appliances!
• Seal holes with caulk or spray foam
• Weather-strip doors and windows that do not seal tightly. Use foam gaskets around outdoor electrical outlets

• Water heaters are often the 2nd largest source of energy in the home
• Set your hot water heater to a max of 120°f
• Use low-flow faucets and shower heads
• Turn your washing machine and dishwasher to energy saving, cold wash settings

• Have a professional assess your home (or businesses) energy use and prioritize savings
• The utility-sponsored audit qualifies you for rebates and zero-interest loans for upgrading insulation, heating systems and more
• To schedule, call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283
• Ask about programs for income eligible households

• Consider walking, biking or using public transportation
• Combine trips and carpool
• Keep car tuned and tires properly inflated
• Don’t idle more than 15 seconds
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly
• Keep your top speeds at about 60 mph
• Drive a fuel efficient vehicle

• Take the New England Carbon Challenge
• Use the western MA electric calculator

Get involved

• Participate in energy initiatives in your community
• Learn about energy legislation and write to your representative
• Vote to support energy saving legislation at the town, state and national level

Visit your local energy committees

• Williamstown COOL Committee
• Lenox Environmental Committee
• Greening Greenfield
• Green Northampton
• Take Charge North Adams