Would you like to go green and SAVE money? Energy conservation can help you save money and help protect the environment!! Hey, that’s a win-win in my book! We can’t all afford to fill our roof with solar panels but we can ALL make small changes that can save hundreds of dollars THIS winter.
1. Unplug your electronics, appliances etc
Did you know that appliances and electronics and such that are plugged yet “off” still draw a small amount of electricity? If that seems like too much trouble then consider a power strip that you can at least click off when not in use. Think about unplugging these items when not is immediate use:
- Cell phone charger
- hair dryer
- curling iron
- toaster
- blender
- waffle iron
- hair straightener
- night light
- electric blanket
Also set computers to sleep or hibernate modes instead of screensaver mode. Purchase only Energy Star appliances with high ratings.
2. Windows:
Before you consider replacing an air conditioner or heat pump make SURE you have good high quality windows throughout your home AND if you do replace them get some spray foam to fill in gaps or cracks you’ll only see once the old window is removed. Frequently you’ll see that your heat pump or air conditioner that doesn’t feel like its keeping up on a cold or hot day will do better (by a few degrees) with heating or cooling with high quality windows in your home. When shopping for windows consider double-glazing and spectrally selective coatings that reduce heat gain and avoid cranking up your AC.
3. Ensure you have quality insulation
Much of a house’s heat or cooling can be lost through poor insulation. Get a professional to examine your insulation to make sure you’re not losing hundreds of dollars each month to this fixable problem. While this might be a pricey repair, the benefits will be great. If this sounds like too much consider finding a good YouTube do it yourself video on how to add insulation under your house or in the attic. It’s likely a fix the average consumer can easily handle.
4. Lighting
Florescent bulbs use far less energy than their incandescent “sisters.” Use light colored lamp shades that will provide more lighting and place lamps on timers instead of leaving them on when you go out. If you have flood lights on your property move them to motion detectors to reduce unnecessary use.
5. Window coverings:
Light curtains will allow the cold in. Add an extra layer or insulate to curtains to keep the cold out. If you aren’t handy with a needle and thread (this could easily be done by purchasing a small amount of heavy fabric and sewing onto your current curtains) then buy high quality insulated thick curtains at a local thrift shop. A significant amount of heat or air conditioning can be lost through large windows. Once you purchase the blackout curtains to insulate your prevent further heat loss. Especially at night keep the curtains closed (when temperatures drop in the winter)
6. Temperature adjustments:
Turn your thermostat down at night and use 2 extra blankets. Keep temperatures down during the day too if no one is in your home (when parents are working and kids are at school possibly). For every 1 degree you lower your thermostat you save at least 3% in your total energy consumption. When you consider an entire winter’s season that is a great savings.
Limit or eliminate use of space heaters and keep heating and cooling vents free of clutter and blockages especially furniture. Consider re-arranging furniture if it covers up your vents.
Use of ceiling fans in the summer can help you to leave the air conditioning off during moderately warm days.
7. Home maintenance:
Change filters at least twice a year in heating and cooling systems. This will keep air cleaner and make your heating and cooling systems more efficient.
Cover bare floors to conserve heat. Plant trees that are fast growing and can provide shade in the summer.
Keep doors open for frequently used rooms and block off rooms that are rarely used (don’t heat or cool them or keep temperatures & thermostats down in them)
8. Personal Cleaning:
Swap out an old shower head for a newer more efficient low flow high efficiency head. Hot water takes energy to produce, so long showers will cost you extra money. Cut out bath’s when possible. Showers are more efficient and tend to use less hot water and less water. And, don’t forget to turn off the water when brushing teeth. Over the course of a month you can save 15 to 30 gallons of water.
9. Water usage:
Always wash laundry with cold water. Fix any leaky or drippy faucets. Never wash laundry unless you have a full load. After you’ve washed your laundry, considering hanging outside to dry or possibly in a bathroom.
10. Cooking:
Cook roasts & crock pot items and foods that take a length of time to cook during seasons when temperatures are cooler. Leave your oven or toaster oven cracked to allow the heat to escape after you’ve removed your food (keeps kids away). Make sandwiches and salads in the summer months.
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