10 Easy Energy Saving Tips
Here are 10 easy tips for saving energy and money in your home. All 10 are very simple and easy and require almost no effort on your part, but can result in savings on your energy bills as well as some positive steps to conserving the planet's natural resources. Every time we conserve energy, we also cut down on greenhouse gasses, too!
#1 Adjust Your Thermostat
Every one degree you adjust your thermostat will save you about 10% in home heating and cooling costs. You may not feel a one degree difference in your bones, but you will feel it in your wallet over the course of a year. (While you are at it, why not make it two degrees?)#2 Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Compact fluorescent bulbs use about 75% less energy than regular incandescent bulbs and lasts up to 10 times longer. The average light bulb used in a high traffic area lasts 4-6 months, while a CFL can last for years..#3 Skip the Pre-Heating
If you are using your oven to cook something for more than one hour, you can skip the pre-heating with no effect.#4 It's a Dishwasher
Use you dishwasher to wash your dishes - not to dry them. Turn off the automatic dryer on your dishwasher and let them air dry for savings.#5 Turn Down Your Water Heater
If you have small children in your home, you should DEFINITELY turn it down to 120 degrees. Your water will still be hot enough for a steamy shower, but not hot enough to scald and you can save about 5-10% on your energy bill.#6 Keep it Clean
Make sure the filters, screens, motors and vents on your appliances and electonics are dust free. Everything runs smoother, cooler and more efficiently when it is clean.#7 Cool Clothes
Washing your clothes in cold water can save around $60 per year for most people. Unless your clothes are particularly greasy or germy, cold water does the job just as well as warm or hot. You will also have less wrinkling and fading.#8 Check Doors & Windows
Even new homes will experience settling. Check all of your windows & doors for leaks and seal 'em up with caulking or weatherstripping for significant savings.#9 Pay Attention to Passive Solar Energy
Sunlight can have a significant effect on your home's temperatue. If your home has a southern exposure you can harness the power of the sun to heat your home in the winter and to provide daylight year round. Eastern exposures can open the curtains in the morning to heat and light the home and western exposures can open the curtains in the afternoon. Don't forget to close them in the summer to save on air conditioning.#10 Kill the Energy Vampires
Tonight, try turning off the lights in you den, living room or home office. The eerie glow of stand-by lights on your appliances and electronics are a sure fire sign of a vampires living in your home. Any device that has a stand-by light is using energy even when not turned on. Try plugging these items into power strips and turning off the main switch when you are not using them to save about 5% on your annual electic bill.As you can see, saving money and resources does not require a complete overhaul of your home and appliances. A few simple adjustments can save your wallet and the planet.
