Simple Solutions to Conserving Energy
Temperature: For every 1 degree you reduce the temperature in your house for an eight hour period of time during the winter, you can save up to 1% on your heating bill. So when you turn the thermostat down 10 degrees before bed each night you can accumulate a 5-15% savings.
An easy way to make sure the temperature is turned back is to install an Energy Star qualified programmable thermostat that automatically increases and decreases the temperature in your home depending upon the time of day. These thermostats can be purchased for as little as $25 or $30, and if you manage your heating and cooling schedules accordingly, a programmable thermostat can save about $180 a year on home energy bills.
Doors and windows: Drafty windows that can chill your house can be easily sealed up during the winter. Temporary plastic sheeting sold at most hardware stores seal leeks and keeps your home warmer during the winter. Weather stripping, door sweeps or caulking is very inexpensive and easy to install, but can amount to large energy savings.
Lights: Natural light from the sun is, of course, the cheapest lighting available, but when artificial light is needed turn fluorescent and LED lighting. These bulbs can cost more than a standard bulb initially, but don’t be fooled; they can save you more than 60% per kilowatt hour. More information on energy efficiency lighting.
Buying Green Energy: Large utility companies such as, American Electric Power, offer a green pricing option for residents. Customers can enroll in the program beginning today by calling the company’s Customer Solutions Center (24 hours a day, seven days a week) at 1-800-277-2177 or by signing up online.
Filter: Changing your furnace filter each month will save your furnace from using extra energy while attempting to push air through a clogged filter.
For more important tips and resources to help get your energy use on the right track click here.
Plants: A properly landscaped home can help cool a house with shade in the summer and block cold winds in the winter. Find out more landscaping tricks here
Power Strips: The average U.S. household spends $100 per year to power devices while they are off (or in standby mode). On a national basis, this standby power accounts for more than 100 billion kilowatt hours of annual U.S. electricity consumption and more than $10 billion in annual energy costs.
These simple steps can protect our homes and offices from energy waste:
• Unplugging power adapters or battery chargers when equipment is fully charged or disconnected from the charger.
• Using a power strip that can be switched off when electronics and appliances are not in use.
• Looking for the Energy Star label when purchasing products.
Source: United States EPA
Insulate: Insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the efficiency of your home. Companies can be hired to blow loose insulation into your walls and attic, or a do-it-yourselfer could easily install batted insulation into an attic or around a hot water heater. Click here for tips on how to properly insulate your house.
New Purchases: Look for the Energy Star label to make sure you are buying the most efficient appliances, televisions, light bulbs and more!
Visit the US department of Efficiency and Renewable Energy site to find out more about ways to reduce your utility bills and help protect the environment.
