While the amount of energy we individually consume has dropped slightly in recent years, thanks in part to improved technology and better habits, many of us are still feeling the pinch of high energy prices.
While we can’t do much about the cost of energy, there are still a lot of ways to stop wasting it. Here are 12 energy-smart suggestions as we head into warmer weather:
- Keep your house cooler by closing doors, windows and drapes on warm or hot days it can avoid the need to blast the air conditioning.
- Using a ceiling fan is another way to cool rooms and keep your AC on standby.
- Programmable thermostats like NEST and others automatically adjust to your family’s schedule so you don’t waste energy while you’re asleep or out of the house you can save 2% on your utility bill for about every 2 degrees you turn it down.
- Replace your air conditioner filter regularly ideally, once a month a dirty filter reduces airflow and makes your machine less efficient.
- Whether they’re light or dark, wash your clothes in cold water most of the energy older washing machines use is to heat the water (modern machines balance the hot and cold water flowing in) and only wash full loads.
- Replace your traditional incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs) the newer bulbs use up to 80% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer.
- Turn off your oven about 10 minutes before your meal is cooked the heat still inside the oven will continue to cook your meal.
- Only wash full loads in your dishwasher and choose the air-dry setting (if available).
- If you’re not using your computer, monitor, printer, TV, or lights, turn them off just turning off your lights can save 10-15% on your monthly utility bill.
- Your smartphone only needs an hour or two to recharge don’t leave it plugged in all night.
- Do a careful check on the inside and outside of your windows and doors and seal any cracks or leaks.
- If you haven’t already, install low-flow showerheads and faucets throughout your home.
What are your favorite and most effective ways to save energy throughout your home? Share your ideas with the Shop Talk Blog community forum!
Did you know: Front beats top
Use a top-loading washing machine? Consider buying a front loading one it uses about 40% less water and 50% less energy. (Source)
You can make a simple room air conditioner using a battery opperated fan, small cooler, and ice. really works. Look on you tube.
I love saving money and found alot of information to assist us in doing so in our home, that I didnt already know, so I really appreciate this information
I agree on some comments about front load washers. I have always had a top loader. The front load type costs a lot more then top loaders, so it would take a while
to realize any savings.
Great Information … I will use it Thank you
Use a timer to water your lawn, etc., I will save a lots if water when you often forget that the water is on.
I never thought to use led rope lights in the living room. That is a very good tip. I’m going to do this. The light in my living room is a bright one.
Use ceiling fans when the heat start to rise in the radiator It keep the heat down on the floor instead of the ceiling