Keep Your Fridge and Freezer Full
Food acts as insulation, and lessens the amount of time that the fridge has to run to stay cool.
Install Ceiling Fans
Keep the air circulating in your home, and your air conditioner won't have to work as hard.
Line Dry Your Laundry
Set up a clothesline in your back yard, and let Mother Nature dry your laundry. If this isn't an option, consider hanging clothes on a drying rack or on the shower rod.
Eliminate Phantom Loads
A surprising 75% of the energy used by home electronics is consumed when they're turned off. These "phantom" users include: televisions, VCRs, stereos, computers and many kitchen appliances--basically anything that holds a time or other settings. A simple solution? Plug all of these items into power strips, and then get in the habit of turning off the strips between uses.
Shield Your Home From the Sun
Cut down on your air conditioning use by closing curtains and blinds on the sunny side of your home. For even more savings, consider installing tinted window film.
Schedule Yearly HVAC Maintenance
Increase the efficiency of your HVAC system by having it inspected and cleaned once a year. Added bonus: cleaner air in your home.
Change Your Filters Regularly
Keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency by change the filter every 30 days.
Lower the Temperature on Your Hot Water Heater
13% of your home's electricity goes to heating water. You can lower this percentage, by setting your hot water heater to 130-140 degrees. For even more savings, install an insulation jacket, and insulate the first six feet of piping that comes off of your heater.
Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances
If your appliances are 10 years old or older, consider replacing them with new, Energy Star models, which use considerably less energy.
Wash Laundry in Cold Water
90% of the energy consumed by your washing machine goes to heating water. Turn the dial to cold, and skip the bill.
Only Wash Full Loads
Your washing machine and dishwasher uses a lot of electricity. Minimize the drain by only washing full loads.
Pile on the Blankets
An extra blanket on your bed in the winter months is often all it takes to push back the thermostat another couple degrees.
Clean Your Refrigerator's Coils
When your refrigerator has dirty condenser coils it has to work harder to cool your foods.
Turn Your Stove and Oven Off Early
Turn the stove or oven off a few minutes before your food is done, and let the built up heat finish the job for you.
Install a Water Heater Timer
Traditional hot water heaters heat water throughout the day whether you need it or not. Install a water heater timer, and set yours to run just when you need it. How much will this save? Expect to see a 5-12% reduction in your hot water heater's energy costs.
Don't Put Uncovered Foods/ Drinks in the Refrigerator
Condensation makes the fridge work harder, and costs you more money.
Allow Foods to Cool Before Putting Them in the Refrigerator
Placing hot foods in your fridge will increase the interior temperature
Cook with the Lids On
Foods cook faster with lids on because the heat can't escape.
Don't Preheat the Oven Unless You Have To
For casseroles and other foods that require long cook times preheating the oven usually isn't necessary. The exception: meats and other temperature-critical foods.
Use Your Microwave Instead of the Oven
Microwaves use less electricity, and don't release as much heat into your home.
No comments:
Post a Comment