Energy Conservation Tips

Energy cost cutters.

Energy Conservation Tips that can result in seroius home energy savings. We have tons of ways to save energy and cost cutters that save money too!

Energy cost cutters and environmentally responsible techniques for using less... painlessly.

Many of our energy saving tips are free to implement and others cost so little that you'll make the money back in less than a year. There are some, like pv solar energy, that have a substantial price tag and will take longer to pay you back (although they start paying the planet back immediately).

Nations around the world are encouraging us to make greener choices and will even help with the initial expense of some of these changes. If you're a US Resident, check for state and federal incentives here to learn how you can save money being green.

In the Kitchen ~ Energy Conservation Tips

• Eat by candlelight occasionally, especially in winter when the nights start early - even the kids like it.


• Slow cookers, electric fry pans and electric kettles use less power than the stove top or oven.


• Use the toaster oven for small items rather than heating the big oven.


• Make a solar oven with the kids or grandkids and use it. It's Fun and Educational.


• When appliances need to be replaced, buy the most energy efficient ones on the market. From most to least these are the appliances that use the most energy: Refrigerator, electric oven, central air conditioning, freezer, washing machine, dryer, electric stovetop and dishwasher.


• When using the stovetop, select a pot or pan that is sized appropriately for the burner. A small pot should be placed on a small burner.

Laundry Day ~ Energy Conservation Tips

• Wash your clothes in cold water

  Reminder

  Front loading washers use less power, water and detergent and any appliance that displays the energy star logo has been proven in the energy conservation department.

  (studies show that hot water has little benefit).


• Launder only full loads or select a cycle for small loads.


• Use the cool cycle as much as possible on your dryer.


• Install a clothes line (a solar power clothes dryer). Not only will it reduce your power bill but the sun bleaches your sheets and cottons to a crisp white and the fragrance can't be imitated.

Lighting ~ Energy Conservation Tips

• Use scented candles in rooms on dark evenings instead of leaving a light on.


• Turn lights off in unused rooms.


• Installing a solar motion sensor light outside will ensure safe passage for your family and guests while discouraging intruders.


• Use LED light bulbs in all light fixtures. They might be more expensive to buy them ($30 to $100 each) but they use less than a tenth the energy a 60 watt incandescent bulb would use and you won't have to change it for more than ten years. It takes 5 to 7 years for an LED bulb to pay for itself but it'll last longer than 10 years.

Heat and Hot Water ~ Energy Conservation Tips

• Insulate, insulate, insulate. Residential home insulation is the most powerful step toward energy efficiency.


• Check weather stripping around windows and doors and replace any that's thin or deteriorating.


• Turn your thermostat down by 2 degrees in the winter and wear a sweater and slippers (up by 2 degrees in the summer).



Reminder

A good portion of your energy bill is from heating - whether it's water or rooms, generating heat requires a great deal of energy.

• Use a programmable thermostat to automatically turn the heat down at bedtime and when the house is unoccupied. It will also turn heat up just before you get up in the morning or return home from work in the evening.


• Consider installing a solar water heater for home energy savings and environmental sustainability.


• Tankless water heaters heat the water as you use it rather than keeping a tank of water hot all the time.


• Programmable water heaters (much like the thermostat control), heat water only when it's being used rather than keeping it hot all day and night.


• Don't heat and air condition rooms that are not in immediate use. Close doors and heat registers in unused rooms. Same with air conditioning, only heat or cool the main living area. . When you need those rooms, turn heat or air conditioning on 15 minutes ahead.


• Seal and insulate heating ducts everywhere you can gain access including basement and attic.


• Reduce your air conditioning needs by installing ceiling fans and strategically placing fans to keep living areas comfortable.


• To keep the heat in (or out) Insulate doors, windows, floors, ceilings and walls.


• Insulate your hot water tank and pipes by wrapping insulation around them. Keep the hot water thermostat at 110¡ F (43¡ C) for safety and savings.


• Do a complete green bathroom remodel and increase the value of your home at the same time.

General ~ Energy Conservation Tips

• Plug your TV and computer into a power bar and switch it off when no one is going to be home. Turning the power bar off when you leave the house is the same as unplugging. The "instant on" feature of television and computer screens uses energy constantly as long as they are plugged in.


• Laptop computers use much less energy than a desk top.



Reminder

Energy conservation starts at home, and the benefits are enormous to you and the environment. Our home energy savings ideas are major household cost cutters although some will take longer to pay for themselves.

• Place a 1 litre bottle full of water into the toilet tank if you don't have a water saving variety of toilet. This displaces and saves at least a litre of water for every flush. When it comes time to replace the toilet go with the low water (or no water) use varieties.


• Awnings over south facing windows can reduce the need for air conditioning in summer by keeping temperatures in and around the house several degrees cooler.


• Air condition and heat only the rooms in use. Close doors and vents to unused rooms.


• Install a solar roof vent to rid the house of unwanted heat during summer months.


• Place foil, shiny side out, or a bubble foil insulator (buy a windshield insulator and cut it to size) in unused windows to keep heat outside in summer.


• Cover unused windows with plastic (specially sold for this purpose) in the winter to reduce heat loss.


• Use bubble wrap on windows to reduce migration of heat and cold. Use a spray bottle to moisten window and apply bubble wrap that has been cut to fit.


• Replace windows with super efficient models when you renovate.


• Plant deciduous trees in front of south facing windows. In winter the naked branches allow the sun to warm the house and the leaves in summer provide shade.


• Plan your errand runs. When you're using the car to run errands, do them all on the same run. Plan the stops you'll make - post office, bank, farmers market, grocery store. to avoid a lot of driving and pick up the groceries last. Every time you start the car, make it count.


• Drive less and walk, cycle or use public transportation more.


• Carpool more often and save not only on fuel and maintenance, but on parking as well.


• Consuming local products and foods saves fuel and the environment (transportation), and supports local business.


• Recycling and reusing saves energy and resources.


• Use sturdy fabric, reuseable, washable bags to carry groceries. Keep them in the car.

There are lots of simple ways to save energy and go a little greener at home. Implementing any of our energy conservation tips will have a positive effect on our planet.

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