Home25 Ways to Save Energy
Page 1 of 1
25 Ways to Save Energy
mulham jarjnazei Wed Apr 20, 2011 9:27 pm
Energy Efficient Comes in All Shapes and Sizes
Installing weatherstripping
There
is no denying that times are tough and we are all wondering how to save
a few extra dollars here and there. Saving energy should be and
probably is at the top of everyone's list these days, particularly with
fuel prices at record highs. Here is a quick list of 25 things that
homeowners can do to save energy costs, as well as go green at the same
time. When you cut down on the amount you spend on your gas and
electricity bill, you also help reduce your carbon footprint and the plant breathes easier. Its a win-win for all involved.1.
Add an extra layer of insulation to the attic and/or crawl space of
your house, under floors and next to basement walls. Have it inspected
annually to make sure that it is evenly distributed so that it does its
job.2. Caulk or seal all cracks and seams. Add weather stripping around all windows and doors. Estimates are that you can save up to 30% on your heating or cooling bills.3.
Install an adjustable thermostat. Program it so that the temperature is
lower during the winter (or higher during the summer) during hours you
are not home. About one hour before you are expected to return, set the
thermostat to the desired temperature. For winter, 68 degrees F should
be comfortable. For summer, aim for 75 degrees F.4. Add
landscaping around your home to provide shade from hot summer sun and
harsh winter wind. Consider areas that are most exposed to the elements
and plant fast growing native trees. You may also wish to reconsider
patios on the south or west sides of the home as they are reflective and
will increase temperatures in the home during summer seasons.
Landscaping to save energy
What is your carbon footprint?
How Much Energy Are You Using?
4.
Dry your clothes on a clothesline. Provided your homeowners association
doesn't disallow the practice, you can save up to 50 cents per load by
drying out in the sunshine! The clothes dryer is the third most
energy-depleting appliance in your home, after the refrigerator and the
washing machine. Give it a break, save some money and also release a
little less CO2 into the atmosphere.5. Humidify your home to make it feel warmer during the winter. In your main living area, run a humidifier using filtered water.6.
De-humidify your home during the summer to make it more comfortable.
Some portable A/C units have de-humidifying options to allow you to take
excess moisture out of the air.7. Raise blinds to allow sun to
shine in on the south and west sides of your home during the winter.
Radiant heat will help warm the rooms.8. Open windows early in
the morning to let cool morning air in during the summer. Just be sure
to close them before the temperature starts rising.9. Close vents and doors to unused rooms of your home (i.e. guest rooms). You'll spend less on heating and cooling costs.10. Insulate pipes. Again, you will save money on costs to heat your water, up to 35% off your natural gas or electric bill.
Fight Global Warming TV Ad
Go Green!
11.
Install energy efficient doors and windows. This will further cut down
on leaks that drain the heat or cooling from your home.12. Clean and inspect your furnace and ducts before winter. While you are at it, put in a fresh air filter each year.13. Purchase and use rechargeable batteries. When stored in the refrigerator, rechargeable batteries can last over 1,000 charges, saving you $80/year- even after their initial price tag. Moreover, they can be recycled. Do not trash them!14.
Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFS). Each light bulb can save
$30 in electricity costs over its lifetime, as well as 2000 times its
weight in greenhouse gases. They use 75% less energy than regular
incandescent bulbs! There is really no easier way to make a small change
with a big impact.15. Unplug all appliances that are not in use
(i.e. coffee makers, toasters, cell phone chargers, tvs, etc.).
Alternatively, plug into a power strip and then flip off the power with a
single switch when you leave.16. Shut your computer down when done using it - do not just put it in "sleep" mode. Phantom
loads such as those wasted by consumers paying for devices that are
plugged in but not in use total 5% of the United State's electricity
load each year!17. When buying new appliances, choose models with the lowest standby power consumption.
Read More About Steps You Can Take
18.
Replace your gas-powered lawnmower with a push-reel model. Its not only
great for the environment, but you'll save at the pump and get some
great exercise!19. Lower the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees F.20.
Vacuum registers and vents to keep the air flowing freely. Blockages
can keep your house either too cool or too hot, depending on the season.21.
Close curtains and blinds during the day while you are away to keep
temperature relatively constant. Closing them at night will also help
trap warm air inside during winter.22. Install a water-saving
shower head. A family of four can save up to $250 a year on the water
bill! Water pressure will not be affected.23. Only run the dishwasher with full loads and use the air-dry cycle (no heat).24.
Wash clothes in warm or cold water; only use the hot cycle for very
dirty loads. Of course, wait to run the wash until you have a full
load.25. Turn off lights when not in use; consider using dimmer
switches and/or motion detectors so that you use only the amount of
light required for the task, when it is required.
More Energy Savings
There
are many, many more ways to cut energy costs around the home. The 25
items in this list are among the practices that we have instituted in
the past year or two (and some to which we have always adhered). Let's
grow this list to 50 ways to save energy - or more! I would love to
read your comments of additional ways to save energy. Please share
below.
Installing weatherstripping
There
is no denying that times are tough and we are all wondering how to save
a few extra dollars here and there. Saving energy should be and
probably is at the top of everyone's list these days, particularly with
fuel prices at record highs. Here is a quick list of 25 things that
homeowners can do to save energy costs, as well as go green at the same
time. When you cut down on the amount you spend on your gas and
electricity bill, you also help reduce your carbon footprint and the plant breathes easier. Its a win-win for all involved.1.
Add an extra layer of insulation to the attic and/or crawl space of
your house, under floors and next to basement walls. Have it inspected
annually to make sure that it is evenly distributed so that it does its
job.2. Caulk or seal all cracks and seams. Add weather stripping around all windows and doors. Estimates are that you can save up to 30% on your heating or cooling bills.3.
Install an adjustable thermostat. Program it so that the temperature is
lower during the winter (or higher during the summer) during hours you
are not home. About one hour before you are expected to return, set the
thermostat to the desired temperature. For winter, 68 degrees F should
be comfortable. For summer, aim for 75 degrees F.4. Add
landscaping around your home to provide shade from hot summer sun and
harsh winter wind. Consider areas that are most exposed to the elements
and plant fast growing native trees. You may also wish to reconsider
patios on the south or west sides of the home as they are reflective and
will increase temperatures in the home during summer seasons.
Landscaping to save energy
What is your carbon footprint?
How Much Energy Are You Using?
4.
Dry your clothes on a clothesline. Provided your homeowners association
doesn't disallow the practice, you can save up to 50 cents per load by
drying out in the sunshine! The clothes dryer is the third most
energy-depleting appliance in your home, after the refrigerator and the
washing machine. Give it a break, save some money and also release a
little less CO2 into the atmosphere.5. Humidify your home to make it feel warmer during the winter. In your main living area, run a humidifier using filtered water.6.
De-humidify your home during the summer to make it more comfortable.
Some portable A/C units have de-humidifying options to allow you to take
excess moisture out of the air.7. Raise blinds to allow sun to
shine in on the south and west sides of your home during the winter.
Radiant heat will help warm the rooms.8. Open windows early in
the morning to let cool morning air in during the summer. Just be sure
to close them before the temperature starts rising.9. Close vents and doors to unused rooms of your home (i.e. guest rooms). You'll spend less on heating and cooling costs.10. Insulate pipes. Again, you will save money on costs to heat your water, up to 35% off your natural gas or electric bill.
Fight Global Warming TV Ad
Go Green!
 | Sylvania 29490 23-Watt CFL Mini Twist 6 pack, Soft WhiteAmazon Price: $3.96 List Price: $24.99 |
 | USBCELL AA Rechargable Battery - 2 Cell Pack - MXAA02Amazon Price: $15.95 List Price: $19.95 |
 | Hunter 44860 7-Day Programmable Touch screen ThermostatAmazon Price: $67.00 List Price: $122.50 |
 | Alsons 656CBX 1.85 GPM Fluidics Water Saving Shower Head, ChromeAmazon Price: $29.98 |
 | American Standard 1660.717.295 FloWise 3 Function Water Saving Showerhead, SatinAmazon Price: $57.00 List Price: $95.00 |
 | Westinghouse 15-Piece Cobalt Solar Light Set, Stainless SteelAmazon Price: $99.99 |
 | Vornado 733 Circulator Linen, 3 Speeds, Black, CR1-0070-06Amazon Price: $74.99 |
 | Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn MowerAmazon Price: $97.00 List Price: $119.99 |
11.
Install energy efficient doors and windows. This will further cut down
on leaks that drain the heat or cooling from your home.12. Clean and inspect your furnace and ducts before winter. While you are at it, put in a fresh air filter each year.13. Purchase and use rechargeable batteries. When stored in the refrigerator, rechargeable batteries can last over 1,000 charges, saving you $80/year- even after their initial price tag. Moreover, they can be recycled. Do not trash them!14.
Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFS). Each light bulb can save
$30 in electricity costs over its lifetime, as well as 2000 times its
weight in greenhouse gases. They use 75% less energy than regular
incandescent bulbs! There is really no easier way to make a small change
with a big impact.15. Unplug all appliances that are not in use
(i.e. coffee makers, toasters, cell phone chargers, tvs, etc.).
Alternatively, plug into a power strip and then flip off the power with a
single switch when you leave.16. Shut your computer down when done using it - do not just put it in "sleep" mode. Phantom
loads such as those wasted by consumers paying for devices that are
plugged in but not in use total 5% of the United State's electricity
load each year!17. When buying new appliances, choose models with the lowest standby power consumption.
Read More About Steps You Can Take
 | Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings (Ninth Edition)Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $17.95 |
 | Insulate and Weatherize: Expert Advice from Start to Finish (Build Like A Pro)Amazon Price: $9.58 List Price: $19.95 |
 | The Home Energy Diet: How to Save Money by Making Your House Energy-Smart (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)Amazon Price: $4.98 List Price: $19.95 |
 | The Carbon Buster's Home Energy Handbook: Slowing Climate Change and Saving MoneyAmazon Price: $3.98 List Price: $12.95 |
 | The Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs (Consumer Reports Complete Guide To...)Amazon Price: $8.84 List Price: $15.95 |
 | How to Live a Low-Carbon Life: The Individual's Guide to Stopping Climate ChangeAmazon Price: $5.99 List Price: $24.95 |
18.
Replace your gas-powered lawnmower with a push-reel model. Its not only
great for the environment, but you'll save at the pump and get some
great exercise!19. Lower the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees F.20.
Vacuum registers and vents to keep the air flowing freely. Blockages
can keep your house either too cool or too hot, depending on the season.21.
Close curtains and blinds during the day while you are away to keep
temperature relatively constant. Closing them at night will also help
trap warm air inside during winter.22. Install a water-saving
shower head. A family of four can save up to $250 a year on the water
bill! Water pressure will not be affected.23. Only run the dishwasher with full loads and use the air-dry cycle (no heat).24.
Wash clothes in warm or cold water; only use the hot cycle for very
dirty loads. Of course, wait to run the wash until you have a full
load.25. Turn off lights when not in use; consider using dimmer
switches and/or motion detectors so that you use only the amount of
light required for the task, when it is required.
More Energy Savings
 | 38 LED E27 White Energy Saving Light Bulb 110-240V R09 Current Bid: $.99 |
 | 1x 20W Warm White 1000LM Energy-Saving Led NEW sq b Current Bid: $.92 |
 | E27 3W 60-LED Energy Saving LED Light Bulb Warm White b Current Bid: $.92 |
 | Warm White E27 5W 72 LED Energy Saving Light Bulb U6 b Current Bid: $.92 |
 | 2x GU10 3W White Energy Saving Light Bulb 3-1w LED b Current Bid: $.92 |
 | PENTAIR INTELLIFLO ENERGY SAVING POOL PUMP 011012 NEW Current Bid: $1154.90 |
There
are many, many more ways to cut energy costs around the home. The 25
items in this list are among the practices that we have instituted in
the past year or two (and some to which we have always adhered). Let's
grow this list to 50 ways to save energy - or more! I would love to
read your comments of additional ways to save energy. Please share
below.
mulham jarjnazei- Posts : 48
Join date : 2011-04-19
Similar topics» 10 ways to help save the planet
» 10 Top Ways to Save Money And the Environment
» 10 Easy ways to Save money and help the environment
» 10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green
» The-Planet-is-in-Danger---Alternative-Energy-is-Our-Only-Choice
» 10 Top Ways to Save Money And the Environment
» 10 Easy ways to Save money and help the environment
» 10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green
» The-Planet-is-in-Danger---Alternative-Energy-is-Our-Only-Choice
Page 1 of 1
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum