Ways to Conserve Energy at Your House

Here are a few personal tips to help maintain the brightness in your home life while keeping energy consumption and money costs at a low level.

LED Light Bulbs/Candles
Instead of using the standard light bulbs for your house, opt out for LED bulbs. This has been all the rage in the "green" world, considering that a LED bulb can save at least 70% of energy compared to a standard light bulb and still give the same amount of light. The great thing is that LED bulbs cost the same or even lower than standard bulbs. I have even walked into my local dollar store and seen them carry LED bulbs packs. They also last just as long, and to me, even longer that your regular light bulb. Planning a romantic dinner at home? Instead of dimming the lights throughout the meal, invest in a pack of LED flame less candles to provide the ambiance of the mood.

Pathway/Walkway Solar Lights
Looking for a fun, creative, and energy efficient way to spruce up your yard? I use solar powered pathway lights to accent the front walkway to my house. These can be great alternatives to porch lights or front door lights. The fun part about these is that almost any mass merchandise store sells these and they can come in cool designs and styles. In addition to the standard style, I have also decorated my house with flower shaped solar lights which changes color throughout the night. These work best in sunny regions (so they can recharge during the day) and last at least for a year. The standard styles can be purchased in a 4 pack for about $10 and come in all sorts of finishes (black matte, stainless steel, etc.).

Making Use of Daylight
If you do things such as household chores during the daytime, this can lower your electricity bills. Vacuuming, moping, cleaning counters, and dusting are all chores that require detailed sight, so instead of turning the lights on at night and performing these tasks, try to make it a habit of doing it during the day if possible. Trying cooking dinner earlier in the day, especially during the summer hours when the days are longer. I even try to shower when there's still light out, so that way I don't have to keep the light on. Also, make it a habit to open the window shades or blinds. Don't succumb to laziness and flip on the light switch, when simply opening the window allows that same amount of light in naturally.