Top 10 Ways To Save Energy
You often hear talk these days about the negative impact modern energy usage is having on the planet. Buzz words like “carbon footprint,” “greenhouse effect,” and “global warming” speak to the damaging ways our habits are affecting the environment. High levels of energy consumption not only put a drain on the environment but they also leave a dent in the pocketbook. While you can’t always control energy usage on a global scale, there are certain things you can do to make changes in the home. Here are the top 10 ways to save energy to get you started.
- Turn down the thermostat: By simply turning down the heat to 68 F or cooler, you can make a big difference in your energy bills. Even better, invest in a programmable thermostat or manually turn down the heat even farther when you’re gone for the day or in bed at night.
- Replace those incandescent light bulbs: This is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to save energy. By replacing those bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)—which use on average 75% less energy—you will recoup your investment in no time at all and save lots of energy as well.
- Turn out those lights: Many of us were raised with parents and grandparents who constantly reminded us to turn out the lights when we left a room. This is actually one of the most practical energy-saving things you can do—and one of the most simple as well.
- Run your washers only when full: This goes for the dishwasher as well as the clothes washer. This way you’re doing fewer loads, which will help cut down on energy and water costs. For extra saving, limit your clothes washing to warm or cold water.
- Keep your dryer running efficiently: By cleaning the lint filter in your dryer before every load, you help your machine dry your clothes faster and more efficiently. If you have an automatic sensor function on your dryer that can tell when your clothes are dry, use it, as this is a great way to conserve energy.
- Turn down your water heater: Another easy energy savings tip is to turn down the temperature of your water heater to 120 F. If your water heater isn’t insulated or is in a cold or drafty part of your home, you can also wrap an insulating blanket around it to prevent further heat loss.
- Use power strips: A little-known energy drain is those turned-off appliances that are still plugged into an outlet and thus are still using energy. By plugging things like TVs and computers into a power strip and flipping its switch off at night, you can really save.
- Change your filters: By regularly monitoring your heating and cooling systems, which includes changing their filters on a consistent basis, you can keep these energy-hungry appliances running much more efficiently.
- Install weather stripping: You can save substantially on heating and cooling costs by making sure your doors and windows are properly sealed. Also keep an eye out for those sneakier leaks, such as those that sometimes occur around electrical outlets.
- Invest in an energy monitor: By installing an energy monitoring device in your home, you can really get a handle on your home energy use. These devices can track your energy usage, helping you identify overall trends, peak times, and hot spots that can help you make effective changes to curb your energy use.