8 Simple Ways to Save Energy

Rising utility costs and concerns over energy-efficiency are both motivators toward finding ways to save energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 20% of the energy bill for a typical U.S. home is from energy used by home electronics and appliances.

These energy hogs include items such as computers, refrigerators, televisions, DVD players, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, VCRs, water heaters and home audio equipment.

Buy Energy Efficient Products

One simple way to save energy is to purchase home electronics and appliances that are energy-efficient. Some Energy-Star appliances qualify for a special rebate from the government.

Good Maintenance = Good Performance

Keep appliances maintained for better energy efficiency. Two examples of this are the refrigerator and the water heater.

Remember to clean the coils on the rear of your refrigerator at least once every six months for optimal performance and increased life of the appliance.

Each month drain out about a bucketful of water from your water heater. This will help reduce the build up of sediment in the water heater, thereby increasing its performance and lifespan.

Insulation

Check caulking around windows annually and replace as needed to ensure the maximum insulation value. Install weather stripping around doors. Inspect it for wear and tear annually, as well. Window insulation film is also helpful in preventing or reducing energy loss.

Use outlet and phone jack insulation pads for phone jacks and outlets along exterior walls.

Turn it off

Another simple way to save energy is to turn off lights, home electronics and other energy users when not in use. Keep in mind that items such as home electronics still draw energy while plugged in, so unplugging them when not in use or plugging them into a power strip that can be turned off are both good ways to stop that wasted energy flow.

The use of screensavers won't reduce power usage. Its better to turn the monitor off or to set it up to automatically revert to sleep mode when not in use.

Tip: Laptops use less energy than desktop computers, but the AC adapter will draw power when plugged in, even if the laptop is off. Be sure to unplug the machine or turn off the power strip for maximum benefit.

Seeing the Light

During the winter, daylight hours are at a premium. Make the most of those to help reduce power use related to lighting. Open curtains and keep south-facing windows cleared of obstructions that block natural light.

Since 15% of a typical home's energy bill is due to artificial lighting, find the most energy-efficient means of lighting your home. Dimmer switches, sensors and timers are all great ways to help reduce lighting-related energy usage.

Tip: Fluorescent lighting is the exception to the rule of turning it off when not in use. It uses less energy to leave them on if you will need them again in about 15 minutes or less. Otherwise, the turn it off rule will apply.

Getting into Hot Water

The average water heater can account for 14-25% of the energy bill. Insulating pipes and installing a water heater blanket are easy, inexpensive ways to reduce the energy consumption of a water heater.

Warm Feet

About 56% of the average home's utility bill is from heating and cooling costs. Research has shown that a person will feel warmer if his or her feet are warm. When the thermostat is turned down, put on socks to keep your feet warm. Wearing light sweaters and using throw blankets are both additional ways to make the lower temperature more pleasant.

If using a space heater to supplement the warmth, use an energy-efficient one and only for as long as needed. With proper insulation, homes will retain good warmth longer.

Get with the Program

The use of a programmable thermostat will also help keep the home comfortable without using unnecessary energy. The recommended settings are 10 - 15 degrees reduction for eight hours a day to see 10% annual savings.

References:

Energy Savers (for) Your Home. U.S. Department of Energy. http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/

Energy Star Rebates Program. U.S. Department of Energy. http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70020.html