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How to Save Electricity at Home

Member
By Jyle Dupuis
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)
Home Efficiency
Home Efficiency

The average house in North America consumes about 21.5KwH /day. That means that if you pay the average 10 cents/KwH you could sum a grand total of over $700/year on electricity. You can cut those cost by as much as 50% by following these simple energy saving tips.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Compact Florescent Light-Bulbs
  • Energy Saving Appliances
  1. Step 1
    CFL Light Bulb
    CFL Light Bulb

    The easiest way to save electricity in the home is to replace all of you old Thomas Edison bulbs with the new Compact Florescent Light-bulbs. They use about 78% less electricity without sacrificing any Lumens (measurement of light output). They are getting cheaper by the day and come available in either True Light or Soft Light. Be sure to chose the one's appropriate for its needs.

  2. Step 2
    Energy Saveing Computers
    Energy Saveing Computers

    If your computer isn't completing any overnight maintenance tasks than it's best to turn it off. Better yet, enable the Standby or Sleep Mode, as recommended by Energy Star. It will help ensure that the computer uses as little energy as needed. Or, at the very least, turn off the computer screen to save a few pennies. It's just a switch and it won't affect anything the computer is doing.

    Another suggestion is to pack up those old desktops in favor for the more lightweight & energy-efficient laptops. They consume less than 1/3 of the energy with almost all of the same benefits of a desktop.

  3. Step 3
    LCD HDTV
    LCD HDTV

    Are you planning on making the transition from an old tube-televisions to the newer LCD HDTV's. They use way less energy and some even come equipped with Energy Star standards. Plasma TV's have their benefits but they suck up allot of electricity. They are getting temptingly cheaper but they will soon be phased out by the LCD.

  4. Step 4

    The fridge and freezer are the most energy consuming appliances we have in our homes. They are on 24/7 non stop. Some are more efficient than others and they need to work hard to keep your food cold.

    Buy the best rated energy-efficient fridge on the market within your budget. If you insist on using a deep freezer, pick a size that suits your needs. Avoid placing them in warm place like the kitchen. Opt for the basement or garage where it is already cooler. That way the freezer won't have to work extra hard.

    Also, don't forget that Fridges pose a real hazard to the environment when not disposed of properly. Take the time to bring it to a proper recycling facility.

  5. Step 5

    Air-conditioners love to suck electricity. Acting on the same principles as a fridge and freezer these things are on 24/7 during those warm days. If at all possible avoid using them by finding other ways to stay cool. Plan to spend the day at the mall or see a movie at the theater during the peak sun times. Leave your blinds shut during the day and leave the windows open at night to let in a nice cool breeze.

    Also, try using a dehumidifier to help draw the moisture out of the air.

  6. Step 6

    Electrical vampires are little devices that use electricity merely by being plugged into the wall. This could be a phone charger, entertainment system, stereo... basically everything else. You've probably noticed that after turning off your television you see a glowing blue dot signifying that it is off. Well these small lights add up to serious costs in the long run so here's what you do.

    Purchase power-bars with timers settings on them. Plug your TV, Stereo, DVD player, XBOX, Wii, everything to it. So when the timer turns the power-bar off you'll be certain no juice if flowing into your expensive electronic equipment.

Tips & Warnings
  • Stay energy concise when you make electrical purchases in the future.

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