Basic Ways To Save Energy In Your Home
Each American household typically spends $1,900 each year on power. Unfortunately, most of this money gets wasted on electronics that are plugged in long after use, thermostats that remain too high, power-hogging appliances, cracks under the door and conventional light bulbs. Not surprisingly, the amount of fossil fuels emitted by a house is comparable to having two cars on the road. Experts say that making small changes to save energy in your home today can help you find better savings tomorrow.
There are many easy low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy at home. Installing a programmable thermostat will give you better control over your home’s temperature, without needing to remember to adjust the thermostat when you leave the house or go to sleep each night. You can change all your lights to Energy Star compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use less power and last longer than conventional bulbs. You can air dry dishes or hang laundry outside, instead of using the dry cycle on your appliances. When you’re not using your lights, computer, monitor, TV, DVD player or power strip, turn off the devices for better savings. Lower your water heater thermostat down to 120°F and try taking shorter showers, rather than baths.
The kitchen is a good place to begin to save energy in your home. During the winter, you can turn your heat down lower as you cook, which will naturally heat up the home. In the summer, you will need ventilation systems removing the heat from the home. Before you fire up the stove, assess whether you can use the microwave, toaster oven or convection oven instead, as they consumer far less energy. Use lids when boiling water on the stovetop to speed up the cook time. Some families save money and energy by cooking larger batches of food (like soups, sauces, chili or stews) all at once to be frozen or refrigerated and easily reheated in the microwave later. To keep your refrigeration costs down, be sure you vacuum the energy coils at least once or twice a year. It’s also a good idea to let warm foods cool to room temperature before refrigerating them. Remember that heating water uses 25% of your energy bills, so dishwashing by hand may not be such a bad idea. Be sure to look for Energy Star appliances for your kitchen too.
You can find many ways to save energy in your home at the Federal Trade Commission’s website (www.ftc.com). In the attic, look for high value R-type insulation. Check the Energy Guide ratings for new furnaces and air conditioning units. In the kitchen, keep your Energy Star refrigerator away from appliances like stoves and dishwashers. Fill your dishwasher, but don’t overload it. Most water heaters are set at 140, but you can comfortably heat your water at 120 degrees. Invest in energy efficient lighting, such as compact fluorescent bulbs throughout your house. Lastly, you can look for low emission windows, plant shade trees and seal your door frames better. With a few basic changes, you’ll be saving money on your energy statements in no time at all.