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Seemingly small things can make a big impact on your energy usage! Put your knowledge to the test, then consider one of <a href="https://pages.email.sce.com/RatePlanOptions/en/" target="_blank">Southern California Edison's</a> rate options to stay mindful of your consumption.

Seemingly small things can make a big impact on your energy usage! Put your knowledge to the test, then consider one of Southern California Edison's rate options to stay mindful of your consumption.

If You Can Ace This Quiz, You Definitely Care About Energy Efficiency

You can shave off a WHOPPING [75%](https://www.energy.gov/articles/top-11-things-you-didnt-know-about-saving-energy-home-summer-edition) of the energy dedicated to lighting at home by replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)! A bonus is that CFLs last longer, so you don’t have to switch ‘em out as often as incandescent bulbs.

Fluorescent bulbs are the way to go!

Jam-packing your dryer might seem like it's saving energy, but it actually just means your clothes take longer to dry and [you’ll use _more_ energy!](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/16-ways-save-money-laundry-room) On the flip side though, teeny-tiny dryer loads use up more energy per item, so try to only use the dryer with a right-size load. Extra points if you can air-dry!

False! Always dry the correct load size for your unique dryer.

Your parents might have yelled at you for turning the AC on and off, but doing that as you come and go can actually be the more efficient habit! Swinging for a programmable thermostat can save energy and make your bill [up to $150 cheaper per year](https://www.energy.gov/articles/top-11-things-you-didnt-know-about-saving-energy-home-summer-edition) when used properly. Try investing in one that automatically shuts off your cooling system when you’re out and turns it back on when you’re back at home!

Turn it off if you're not home!

Get the grime out of those filters once a month or every other month. You can slash energy consumption [by 5%–15%](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/home-cooling-strategy-lower-energy-bills) by cleaning out or replacing a gunky filter!

Every 1–2 months!

If you can reheat that leftover pizza in your toaster oven or boil water for your tea in an electric kettle, totally do that! It [uses less energy](https://www.energy.gov/articles/top-11-things-you-didnt-know-about-saving-energy-home-summer-edition) and stops extra heat from increasing your room temperature.

Yup, smaller meals should be cooked on smaller appliances if possible!

White window shades, drapes, or blinds [reflect heat away from your home](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights)! Pro tip: Apply reflective shades or other sun control materials to east-, west-, and south-facing windows! This helps in hotter climate areas by reducing solar heat gain.

White

Peak time for energy use is during the day, and it places less stress on power sources to use these larger appliances [at night](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/stay-cool-and-save-money-all-summer-long)!

At night!

Smarter consumption could save some energy and make your pockets a little heavier!

There might be room for improvement in your power-saving strategy.

You know a thing or two about the right power usage habits at home. Being conscious of your consumption will help your wallet and the planet!

Your energy-saving smarts are on point!

All images via iStock/Getty Images.

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If You Can Ace This Quiz, You Definitely Care About Energy Efficiency

Check out rate options from Southern California Edison, and it might help you save more energy at home.

If You Can Ace This Quiz, You Definitely Care About Energy Efficiency

Check out rate options from Southern California Edison, and it might help you save more energy at home.

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