How to Reduce Energy Usage

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CFL Bulbs

We're all in this together, and adopting even a few energy saving strategies is good for every individual, not to mention the planet in general. Here are a few ideas on ways you can reduce your energy consumption at home, at work, and in your community.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A commitment to reduce energy consumption

Step 1

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In your bathroom(s),switch to a high efficiency showerhead which uses considerably less water. Adding a bathroom faucet aerator will also show measurable improvements in water consumption.

A long, hot shower is a luxury indeed, but is it really worth the extra usage? Even reducing your shower time by 3-5 minutes can save thousands of gallons of water, not to mention gas if you're using a gas water heater.

Here's another tip that will save even more hot water: Don't leave the shower running while you're doing other things. Be ready to step into it as soon as the water is warm. And if you have a family that will all commit to using less, imagine the savings! Other energy saving options include using a tankless water heater or solar water heating.

Remember, it takes a significant amount of energy to produce the water that is available in your home. Reducing the amount of water you use in your home reduces the energy usage of your community's water system as well.
Step 2

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Take advantage of sunlight and turn off any unnecessary lighting. Open the curtains, add a skylight, or use area-specific lighting instead of flipping on overhead lights that are meant to illuminate an entire room.

Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient CFL bulbs to dramatically reduce your usage. In the U.S., we are slated to have a phase-out of incandescents in 2012. Australia has already banned them, and the U.K. is not far behind.

Much has been written on a variety of websites regarding the pros and cons of CFLs. The PRO being the reduction of energy usage, and the CON being the complaints of miagraines, nausea, and dizziness among those who are most susceptible. According to a 2008 article on Scientific American, the newer CFL bulbs available in a warmer color temperature (2,700 Kelvin rating) are more comparable to the incandescent bulbs than some of the older CFLs which have a rating of 5,000 Kelvin and above.
Step 3

Energy Star Logo

Choose energy efficient appliances in your home AND workplace (those that feature an Energy Star logo), and reduce your energy usage by 10-50%. Tax credits are another reason for upgrading your home with energy savers! You can get more info on Federal Tax Credits for 2009-2016 at Energystar.gov.

Also at Energystar.gov, institutions and large companies can get free bulk price quotes on a variety of appliances, air conditioners, and light fixtures.
Step 4

Green Insulation

Insulation is key to reducing energy usage. Make sure you are using the most energy efficient materials and strategies to keeping your home insulated in both cold and hot weather.

Stop door and window drafts, and use Energy Star approved windows when replacing older ones. Sealing and insulating outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors is the most cost effective way to gain maximum energy efficiency in your home. Green insulation information is available at greenbydesign.com

Comments

dzagotti said

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on 4/19/2009 Excellent energy saving advice!

annaiam said

on 3/16/2009 Great articl with good tips on reducing energy usage! Everyone can help by changing life style and by following these tips! We do a lot of energy change's over the passed couple of years. Sometimes even if you take baby steps! 5*