Saving energy doesn’t always
mean getting new appliances, installing insulation, or replacing windows. Even
if you live in a brand new, super efficient home, there are plenty of ways to
lower your energy bills and protect the environment.
1.
Use your
laundry machines wisely. Cutting costs on
laundry is easy… Simply stop using heat whenever possible, pack the right
amount of clothing into the machines, and do laundry at night.
2.
Use the
dishwasher wisely. Utilize the same tactics as the laundry machines. Primarily,
reduce the amount of heat you use, and load the machine as efficiently as
possible.
3.
Replace air filters monthly.
Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the HVAC system to run longer and use
more energy. And check
your vents. If they’re closed, open them! Closing vents will actually
raise your energy costs.
4.
Actually program the programmable thermostat! A lot of energy costs come from heating and cooling
empty (or unused) spaces. Program the thermostat to warm or cool your home when
you’re actually there, and to switch off when you’re away or asleep.
5.
Close the
door. Close attic, basement, garage and exterior doors to prevent drafts
and keep in heat or A/C.
6.
Unplug electronics.
Any electronic gizmo that stays plugged in when not in use is sucking up your
money. Do a nightly sweep to make sure all your electric devices are turned off
before you go to bed. It may be a pain, but the savings from simply turning
everything off can add up quickly.
7.
Consider your
light bulbs. Turn off lights you
aren’t using. Replace 60-watt light bulbs with compact fluorescents or LEDs.
8.
Set the
water heater at 120 degrees. Not only does heating your water too hot
create the danger of scalding, it costs you cash. The EPA estimates that a
heater set at 140 degrees or higher can waste $36 to $61 annually in standby
heat losses to keep water at that temperature, and more than $400 to bring
fresh water up to that temperature.
9.
Take a
shower instead of a bath. And install a low-flow aerator or flow restrictor
on an existing showerhead. By doing
both, you’ll use less water.
10. Think before you cook. The stove or
oven may not always be the best choice. Crockpots or a microwave oven may be
more energy efficient.
11. Help your refrigerator/freezer work more
efficiently. Leave room in front of a refrigerator/freezer to allow cold
air to circulate better. Since frozen food stays cold longer than air, it’s
good to keep the freezer full, but not packed.
12. Soften those rays.
Closing the curtains and lowering the
blinds on the sunny side of your house will help keep you cooler on hot days.
