Conserving energy is a smart, economical thing almost anyone can do to preserve natural resources. Most people won't have to give up much to make a difference that can be quite significant. Start out small and add more energy saving techniques as the comfort level grows.
Saving on Lights
One of the most important inventions of all time, the light bulb, has transformed over the years and is quickly becoming the easiest part of the energy conservation equation. Always remember to turn off lights when no one is in them. The old misconception that it takes more energy to turn the light on that leaving it on has been proven incorrect. An incandescent bulb not only uses electricity when it's on, it heats up the area and uses energy for cooling.
Ways to save electricity with lighting:
- Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lights.
- Use the lowest watt bulb needed.
- Install skylights when possible.
- Use a motion sensor outdoors.
- Use LED lights for Christmas trees and holiday lighting.
Turn Off Electronics
When electronics equipment is not in use, leaving it on is wasteful. When getting up from the computer, turn off the monitor and computer to save power and lower energy bills. There is a misconception that turning off a computer is hard on the battery and lowers the life expectancy of the unit. This isn't true.
Ways to save energy on electronics:
- Turn off anything that isn't in use.
- Have the computer go into "sleep" mode after a designated amount of time.
- Switch from a desktop to a laptop that typically draws less power.
- Unplug equipment at the end of the day. This includes TVs, DVD players, small kitchen appliances and anything else that my draw even a small amount of electricity.
Large Appliance Electricity Savings
The convenience of many large appliances has made life much easier. Even though these conveniences use power and cost money to run, there are still some ways to save without too much trouble.
Ways to save power and money on large appliances:
- Turn off the dry cycle on the dishwasher and allow the dishes to air dry.
- Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it.
- Allow foods to reach room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator rather than putting them in hot.
- Use cold water to wash clothes when the load isn't heavily soiled.
- When replacing large appliances, purchase one with the Energy Star symbol.
- Unplug and remove unnecessary refrigerators in the garage that have to work harder in hot temperatures.
- Use a toaster oven instead of using the large oven for small tasks.
Save on Cooling and Heating
Air conditioners and electric heaters use a significant amount of energy. In some cases, almost half of the electricity used in the home is for heating and cooling. Not only does this waste power and cost money, there is a considerable amount of carbon dioxide that is being released into the atmosphere.
Ways to save power on cooling and heating:
- Change filters frequently.
- Set the thermostats low in the winter and higher in the summer. Even a couple of degrees can make a big difference in the amount of power that is being used.
- Close off the vents in rooms that are not being used.
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors and window to prevent the warm or cool air from escaping.
Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit can help detect areas of potential savings. Individuals can do the audit themselves by spending a half hour walking through the house and looking for ways to save. Some power companies offer free energy audits, so call and find out if this is available. If not, consider calling someone who specializes in auditing homes for energy savings. They often have high-tech equipment that can find leaks and problems that aren't clearly visible.
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Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
