TAHLEQUAH — In a world of energy-driven daily comforts, being able to “leave no trace behind” depends on a person’s ability to mimic camping conditions in an indoor setting.

Doing this not only helps to protect the planet, but it can also help preserve a bank account. Using less now can mean having more later.

To reduce a home’s carbon footprint, experts recommend unplugging idle electronic devices, adjusting curtains seasonally, and checking windows and doors for air leaks.

Tahlequah Public Works Authority General Manager Mark Chesney said homeowners will eventually see monetary returns on the expensive cost and installation of energy-saving items like solar panels, but noted quicker ways to save money and use energy to protect the environment.

“People can have a noticeable effect on their usage profile by doing some pretty simple things,” he said. “Close off rooms that are not in use. Adjusting thermostats seasonally can help with reductions. Replace cooling and heating filters regularly. Monthly is ideal. Make sure drapes don’t block vents and keeping drapes open during the day to allow sun in during the day for natural heating. People really ought to think about insulating their attics and insulating around doors and windows. It really is something that requires a lot of vigilance.”

Major remodeling upgrades are not necessary for a home to reduce its carbon footprint. Making sure doors and windows are insulated and close properly can promote energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Switching from incandescent to compact florescent light bulbs is a step easily taken in energy-proofing a home. Fluorescent light bulbs are more expensive, but they use about 75 percent less energy than normal light bulbs. They also produce cost-saving effects similar to solar-panel energy.

Unplugging the phone charger when it’s not in use is another simple way to lighten daily-living impact.

Tahlequah Lumber Contractor Sales Representative Brian Wagnon said the local business does a lot of consulting with customers seeking to protect energy use in their home.

“I think more people are concerned with efficiency,” he said. “We get mostly people replacing windows and doors. Insulation, windows, and doors. Basically everything that would deal with efficiency. You’ve got different coding on windows like LE windows. There are windows and doors that are Energy Star windows and doors, which is a government rating. Energy Star has a website and it provides all of the information on how to rate doors and windows. There is a way to qualify your house as an Energy Star home.”

Energy Star is a program made possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that promotes saving money while protecting the environment through energy efficient products and practices. According the program’s website, energystar.gov, energy-efficient choices can save a household about a third on energy costs with similar effects on greenhouse gas emissions without giving up style or comfort. Tax credit is also possible for use of an Energy Star-product use like a Low-E glass window, which has a special coating that reflects infrared light to keep heat inside during winter and outside in the summer. The Low-E window also reflects damaging ultraviolet light, which can help protect from fading effects of interior furnishings resting near the window.

“You can get all of the information on the website,” said Wagnon.

The Energy Star label, which is placed on the window or door for denotation as a qualified product of the government program, was established for the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and other pollutants caused by inefficient energy use while making it easy for homeowners to identify products that present savings on utility bills without giving up product appearance and effectiveness.

When it comes to water use, install a water-filtration system on the kitchen sink’s tap rather than buying bottled water. Bottled water leaves a huge footprint being bottled in one location and then shipped all over. Use cold water when washing clothes that don’t require warm or hot water.  Make sure to use the water heater’s “vacation” setting when the heater is not in use for extended periods of time. Get rid of the microwave. Frozen foods are actually more energy intensive in ways similar to bottled water. The footprint grows deeper as foods are kept frozen while shipped or put on display a local grocery stores before finally arriving in the refrigerator’s freezer. Cook fresh food on a stove using a clean energy source like natural gas.

According to the Department of Energy, 90 percent of the natural gas delivered to a home setting can be used whereas electricity loses more than two-thirds of its usable energy in its generation and transmission from the producer to the customer.

“It’s not complete yet, but we’re working on an energy conservation tips list that someone can have quick access to on our website,” said Chesney noting TPWA’s participation in promoting efficient energy use. “People have to make themselves a little uncomfortable to fix things that ought to be fixed.”