CT Climate Change | Climate Actions

Switch to buying a percentage of clean energy through the CT Clean Energy Options Program. 0% 50% 100%

Install a solar photovoltaic system for a percentage of your base electricity and explore other incentives for clean energy installations for your home. %

When buying a new home, choose an ENERGY STAR home. Yes No

Contact your utility for a home energy audit and weather sealing through the Home Energy Solutions program. Yes No

Seal and insulate the "envelope" or "shell" of your home - its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors. Yes No

In summer: Use a programmable thermostat and raise the temperature to 82 degrees at night and 85 degrees when you're away from the house for 2 hours or more. Yes No

In winter: Use a programmable thermostat and drop the temperature to 62 degrees at night and when you're away from the house for 2 hours or more.
Yes No

Close the damper in your chimney when the the fireplace is not in use.* Yes No

Change incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. bulbs

Replace incandescent decorative light strings (e.g., holiday lights) with ENERGY STAR lights. strings

Install vacancy sensor light switches indoors (bedrooms, bathrooms, closets).* Yes No

Install vacancy sensor light switches outdoors (garages, external lighting).* Yes No

Replace standard indoor light fixtures with ENERGY STAR-qualified light fixtures. fixtures

Replace standard outdoor light fixtures with ENERGY STAR-qualified light fixtures. fixtures

Replace standard ceiling fans (without a light kit) with ENERGY STAR-qualified ceiling fans. fans

Replace standard ceiling fans (with a light kit) with ENERGY STAR-qualified ceiling fans. fans

*Savings from this action are not quantifiable at this time.

Install a whole-house fan.* Yes No

Unplug or put your microwave oven on a power strip and turn it off at the switch when not in use. Units

Unplug or put your computer on a power strip and turn it off at the switch when not in use. Units

Unplug or put your VCR or DVD player on a power strip and turn it off at the switch when not in use. Units

Unplug or recycle a refrigerator or freezer that is not consistently used. Units

Replace an old (10 to 20 year-old) refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR model. Units

Replace your dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR model. Units

Replace a gas boiler or furnace with an ENERGY STAR model. Yes No

Replace a propane or oil furnace or boiler with an ENERGY STAR model. Yes No

Replace a 12-year-old room AC unit with an ENERGY STAR model. Units

Install a tankless hot water heater.* Yes No

Insulate your electric hot water heater. Yes No

Add a bottom board as insulation under the tank of your electric hot water heater. Yes No

Replace your washing machine with an ENERGY STAR model. Yes No

Dry clothes on a clothes line instead of using a dryer. Yes No

*Savings from this action are not quantifiable at this time.

Take fewer round-trip flights of 1,600 miles (roughly 2 to 2 1/2 hours each way or the distance from Hartford to Chicago).* trips

Drive vehicle less each week by walking, biking, and combining trips. miles

Drive less by carpooling to work several days every week. days

Drive less by taking the bus to work several days every week. days

Replace current vehicle with a fuel efficient model that gets at least 40 miles per gallon. Yes No

Save up to 13% on fuel usage by replacing your car's air filter when clogged and maintaining tire pressure. Yes No

Drive the speed limit to save gas and reduce emissions. Yes No

*Savings from this action are not quantifiable.

Wash clothes in cold water. Yes No

Turn electric hot water heater down 1/8th of a turn to 120 degrees (and insulate pipes). Yes No

Install low flow shower heads.* Yes No

Replace an older toilet with a dual flush or ultra-efficient model. Yes No

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth. Yes No

*Savings from this action are not quantifiable

Plant trees next to your house to block the wind and cut winter heating bills. trees

Use organic and natural landcare practices on your lawn.* Yes No

Use handpowered equipment to take care of your yard (e.g., leaf rakes, rotary mowers). Yes No

Convert mowed lawn areas to vegetable or wildflower gardens. Yes No

*Savings from this action are not quantifiable

Recycle 100% of your household's glass waste. Yes No

Recycle 100% of your household's paper waste. Yes No

Recycle 100% of your household's metal waste. Yes No

Close the loop by buying products with recycled content.* Yes No

*Savings from this action are not quantifiable.

Buy your food from local sources.* Yes No

Start a garden and grow your own food.* Yes No

*Savings from this action are not quantifiable.

Purchase carbon offsets for a percentage of your carbon footprint. %

Climate Actions

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Total Savings:

$ kWh lbs CO₂

Climate Actions

Already submitted a pledge?

Or, start a new pledge:

Total Savings:

$ kWh lbs CO2

$ kWh lbs CO₂