Home Energy Saving Tips
Energy conservation in the home isn’t just about saving money, it’s about saving to the planet too. If we all did our bit to reduce our carbon footprint, even just a little, it would have a signifcant effect on planet for future generations. Below are some top tips on reducing power consumption and saving money!
Tip 1 – Color of wall paint. Using dark interior wall paint actually absorbs more light. This means you have to use more lighting and energy to achieve the same effect. Using light colors will make the room naturally brighter – and more cheerful!
Tip 2 – An Energy Efficient Dish Washer . A dishwasher that is 90% full uses 4 units of electricity. If it is only 50% full, it still uses 3 units of electricity. Therefore, try to fill your dishwasher as much as possible before using it.
Tip 3 – Insulate your Water Heater. Buy a water heater blanket and keep your water heater insulated. You’ll save around $40 per year. Water heater insulation blankets are designed for gas, oil or electric heaters and are relatively inexpensive.
Tip 4 – Energy Efficient Light Bulbs. Replacing a single incandescent bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb can atcually save up to $50 over the bulb’s lifetime. If every home in the US swapped 1 incandescent bulb for a fluorescent bulb, there would be enough energy saved to power 2.5 Million homes!
Tip 5 – Reduce Heat loss through Windows. Up to 16% of household heating can be lost through unprotected windows. The heat loss can be reduced by closing drapes at night or installing insulating shutters. If you home has large windows which don’t generally receive direct sunlight, try keeping the curtains/drapes over these windows closed as much as possible.
Tip 6 – Use Smart Power Strips. An amazing 75% of electricity used by household electronics is consumed while applicances are “off”. If you use a power strip and turn it off when not in use, you can significantly lessen your CO2 emissions and reduce your energy bill.
Tip 7 – Choose Energy Efficient Washing Machines. When you’re choosing your next washing machine, choose one which is front-loading. On average, front-loading washing machines use 25% less energy. Also selecting a cold/warm cycle instead of a warm/hot cycle can save 10 cents per load.
Tip 8 – Clean Air Conditioning Filters Regularly. Cleaning or, if neccesary replacing your AC and furnace filters reguarly can help improve air flow and efficiency. Also consider using a dust collector or air filtration system.
Tip 9 – When possible, Air Dry your Laundry. Clothes lines are cheap, and best of all they’re free to use! Air drying your clothing in the Spring/Summer months can help save as much as $75 a year.
Tip 10 – Energy Efficient Thermostats Save You Money. Are you paying for heat or electricity you don’t even need? You can save money by using a programmable thermostat which switches off whilst you’re at work, away on vacation or even asleep.
Want to find out more about Home Energy Saving Tips, then visit John Matthews’s site for more tips and guides on Energy Conservation.
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