Save energy in your home and vehicle with these 10 tips
Do you realize that you have the power to reduce energy demand in your own home and across America? Different types of energy sources, like coal and gas, can be lower and lower greenhouse gases, helping keep the air fresher for all of us, as well as helping to lower your utility bills .
The US Department of Energy tells us that between $1,900 and $2,200 a year is what the average American family spends on utilities in their home. Unfortunately, most of that energy is wasted. And 67% of US oil consumption is used for transportation. On a positive note, there is much a family can do to save most of the wasted energy and money in their home and with their transportation.
Here are some easy, low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy that the US Department of Energy recommends.
1. Install a programmable thermostat. By installing the programmable thermostat, you will not only help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s also handy because you can set it to go down while you and your family are out for the day and then turn it back on when the family is scheduled to come home for the night or even on short trips.
2. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Making the switch to a CFL will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. Uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than a regular wattage light bulb.
3. Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle. The convenience of using a dishwasher in most homes makes the decision to use one outweigh the knowledge of the cost it takes to operate one. However, a great way to help save money is to convert your dishwasher to an air-dry system or simply open the door after the wash cycle. You may have to deal with stained glasses, but give them a quick wipe with a towel and you’re good to go.
4. Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use. There is a debate about whether turning the computer and monitor on and off during the day really helps in saving electricity and in the pocket. The US Department of Energy says that if your PC monitor won’t be used for more than 20 minutes, turn it off. Also, if your tower and monitor won’t be used for 2 hours, turning them off will help with your electricity bill.
5. Plug home electronics into power strips. Make sure your home electronics such as TVs, DVD players, DVRs, monitors, and other accessories are plugged into a power strip/surge protector. It is also advisable to do this with your computers and printers. When this equipment is not in use for a long time, please turn off the power strip switch to prevent them from consuming power even if the machine is off. If you are not using a power strip, unplug additional equipment when not in use.
6. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F. You can lower your water heating costs simply by lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater. For every 10ºF reduction in water temperature, you can save 3% to 5% on energy costs. The US Department of Energy recommends that home hot water thermostats be set at 120ºF.
7. Take short showers instead of baths. Taking a short 5-10 minute shower uses less water than a full bath. Also, showering during the hottest part of the day and using cooler water is a great way to reduce your hot water usage.
8. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. To save 300 to 800 gallons of water per month, wash clothes and dishes only when the machine is full. If you need to wash small loads of laundry, lower the water setting level to a lower setting. For a small number of dishes, wash them in the sink or in a saucepan and rinse them in a saucepan of hot water.
9. Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving, such as speeding, rapid acceleration and braking, wastes gas. Every time the brake or accelerator pedal is touched, the fuel in your car is converted into heat energy. So when you accelerate quickly, the extra gas floods the engine causing waste and then hitting the brakes also wastes the energy used to pick up speed.
10. Look for the Energy Star label on appliances and products. Energy Star products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the US Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. In all of my other points, I tried to suggest free ways to help with energy savings. However, if you have very old appliances, it may be time to invest in new products. Perhaps using part of your tax return to update could be a wise move for your household.
With the economy the way it is, I hope these tips help you and your family save a little money and ease some of the pressures of utility bills.