Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
One quick and easy way to save a little green is to change out all the light bulbs in your home to the new compact florescent bulbs. These are now so popular that they can be found in most hardware and home stores.
Step2
Rather then making your own trip back and forth to the thermometer install one that is programmable. You can set up a program to turn the temperature down while away at work and even set it to come back up just before you arrive home. This could save you time and money.
Step3
Leaky drafty windows are where the majority of homes lose their heat. You can check for leaks with a lighter or candle held close as you circle around the window seal. You will see the flame begin to dance if there is a leak. You can weather strip or seal your windows with a window winter kit. These are both temporary fixes and your best option is new windows to cut the cost yearly. You could check with home builders or home supply stores in your area for a deal on larger purchases.
Step4
Running your dryer during the coldest part of the night makes it work harder. The best time to run the dryer is when it is already warm then you don’t have to run it as long to dry the same amount of clothing.
Comments
JackStudly said
on 6/22/2008 The Clothes Dryer uses thousands of watts of power. Night drying makes little difference. However -- there is a new solar-upgrade kit from SunCache that slashes dryer power consumption so efficiently that it pays for itself in under 3 years & the savings can literally buy your next washer/dryer & replacement cost for all fluorescent bulbs! Energy credits & tax incentives may even pay for the modest installation fee! Request info at: Info@SunCache.com
amylaine said
on 5/19/2008 Great tips.
pondlady said
on 5/8/2008 Great dryer idea.
nrgguy said
on 1/23/2008 Leaky windows are NOT the major energy wasters they are made out to be. Read the building scientists; air leaks and insufficient insulation are the biggies.
AbbyNormal said
on 1/12/2008 This is a great article. Good idea about the dryer.