5 Energy-Saving New Year's Resolutions for 2010

Think 2009 was a great year to make energy-efficiency upgrades to your home or business? 2010 may even be better.

Energy prices appear to be on the upswing, meaning cutting energy use may generate even bigger savings in the months ahead. What’s more, utility companies and federal and state governments are unveiling more-lucrative financial incentives for energy-efficiency in 2010, including federal-stimulus-funded grants, “cash for appliances” programs, and other new rebate programs for businesses. (We’ll detail these new incentives in the weeks ahead.)

Now's the time to develop a game plan for the next 12 months. Here, then, are five energy-saving New Year’s resolutions to get you started.

1. Focus on low-cost measures first. Before spending money to make serious energy investments, make sure you’re not overlooking simple ways to reduce your energy usage. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that behavioral changes (such as turning off lights) may account for up to 15% of energy savings. Some examples to consider: Turning off and unplugging equipment when it’s not in use, setting energy-saving mode on computers, and installing a programmable thermostat. Other cheap steps, such as installing LED exit signs, can spur nice energy savings.

2. Analyze your energy bills. One of the best ways to truly understand how your business or home consumes energy is carefully reviewing your monthly utility bills. Some free online programs, such as Microsoft Hohm, can help you analyze the data and make energy-saving recommendations.

3. Get an audit. Most utilities now offer no-cost or low-cost energy audits to business and residential customers, so there’s little excuse not to do it. An auditor will examine your equipment, facilities and energy usage and provide a detailed report of various upgrades and their estimated payback time and savings.

4. Check rebates and other financial incentives. There’s lots of financial help for energy upgrades these days, so make sure to find out what you might qualify for. Many utilities, for instance, offer rebates for installing efficient lights and heating and cooling systems. Many states and municipalities also offer incentives. (A friendly reminder: Energy Smart can help Minnesota businesses line up a certified auditor and figure out what incentives they qualify for.)

5. Make it fun. Face it: Keeping your energy-savings resolutions throughout the next 12 months may prove challenging, given the demands of daily life. But you’ll boost your odds if you make it fun and interesting. One idea: You might start a competition in your office or among family members to see who can save the most energy and chart your progress.

Do you have any other energy-saving resolutions for 2010? What steps have you taken to lower your energy costs?