Program on Hold

Note: The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Energy Saving Toolkit program is currently on hold. We do not know if or when it will resume. Please check back for updates or contact the San José Public Library for the latest information.

Check it Out - Literally! (When available) Visit your library and – just like a book – check out the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Home Energy Saving Toolkit. It’s stocked with supplies and measuring devices that will help you lower your utility bills while saving precious resources.

You get to keep:

  • LED light bulbs
  • Low-flow faucet aerators
  • A low-flow showerhead
  • Outlet gaskets
  • Weather stripping
  • Water leak detection tablets

Devices that enable the measurement of energy and water use are to be returned to the library in the toolkit box, and include:

  • A Kill-A-Watt® Meter for measuring the energy use of appliances and equipment
  • A thermal detector that checks for heat loss through windows, vents and doors
  • A special thermometer that helps set refrigerators and freezers to appropriate temperatures
  • A water flow rate bag that measures the true rate of flow from faucets and showerheads

The accompanying User Guide shows you step-by-step how to measure the energy use and water use of appliances and equipment in your home, and then shows you to reduce that energy and water use. (The toolkit is typically available for a two-week checkout for anyone with a valid library card from all branches of the San José Public Library when the program is active).


This short video, created by Green Ninja, covers how to use several of the tools provided in the toolkit.