Simple Summer Energy Saving Tips

It seems like a lot of people are beginning to think about enviromental concerns and wanting to find ways to do their part to lower energy bills and provide for an effect across the country that will make a dent in what is happening right now. What is happening right now? In addition to growing concerns over greenhouse emissions, worldwide energy demand is rising as fast or faster than electricity can be generated. There are simple and sensible things that you as a conservation - concious consumer, can do to cut your energy usage, lower your electric bills and lessen your contribution to the greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. There are several habit changes and home improvements you can do. Below are a few suggestions to help make your home more efficient.

Set your thermostat in your home comfortably lower in the winter and comfortably higher in the summer. Be sure to clean the filter on your heating and air conditioning unit.

Start using compact fluorescent lights everywhere you can. You don't have to go out and replace all of your light bulbs at once, but do it over time as your incandescent bulbs burn out.

Reduce the time you use electric appliances; you may not realize you're still using them. Electronics like TVs,DVD players and computers and monitors go into standby mode when they're off - but they're still using electricity. Unplug them or turn off the power strip into which they're plugged unless manufacturer literature advises against it.

Lower the thermostat on the water heater to 140 degrees if you have a dishwasher or 120 degrees if you don't.

Improve your water usage habits: Take short showers instead of baths and wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. When laundering your clothes use cold water whenever possible, select the proper water level, avoid over drying and clean the dryer's lint filter.

Ensure that your home is properly insulated. Check for holes and cracks on the walls and ceiling, around windows, doors, lights, plumbing fixtures and any electrical outlets. Caulk and weatherstrip any infiltrations. If you have a fireplace, check to make sure that the damper is properly sealed.

The older nostalgic appliances may last forever but consider replacing them with newer energy efficient appliances.

Be sure the heating and cooling unit is the correct size for your home and that the duct work is sealed and airtight.
Reducing excess air leakage in the home can reduce your bill by up to 20 to 30 percent.

The saying that old habits die hard is true. If a family were to put together a simple plan, if they knew how much money they were spending on energy and where the greatest losses were and then took steps to knock these out a little bit over time or just change a few habits, most people would see a significant decrease in usage.