How to Go Green Electrical

Going green is the big rage nowadays. And why not, it helps save money and our planet. Here are a couple of tips for saving money on your electric bill.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CFL bulbs
• Power strips
• Solar lighting
• Common sense

1. 
   CFL bulb

   Install CFL bulbs throughout your house. This is as easy as "screwing in a light bulb!" If you don't know what a CFL bulb is, see the picture. Personally, I wait until my old incandescent bulbs die. Which actually doesn't take long. No sense in throwing away money already spent.

2. 
   Power strip

   Unplug all electrical devices when not in use. Many devices, such as cell phone chargers televisions and computers continue to use energy even when they are shut off. You know, that little red lit or the digital clock on the DVD player? That's extra power use, and you get charged for it. This is a simple fix! Plug these items into a power strip that can be shut off when use/charging is done.
   
   Also, turn that light off when not in use. My parents hollered at me all the time for this one, so I was going green since I was old enough to turn on a light switch.

3. 
   Solar light

   Install outdoor solar lighting. Many home improvement stores now sell a wide variety of outdoor solar lights that use no electricity at all. Path lighting, motion detection lighting all work well for lowering your electrical usage.
   
   Also, take advantage of natural sunlight. Open your blinds or drapes, install skylights or sky tubes. I installed a sky tube in my very dark kitchen last year and kept hitting the switch, thinking someone left the light on.

4. 
   Ceiling fan

   Your air conditioner wastes alot of electricity. Set your thermostat a couple of degrees higher in the summer and use ceiling fans to supplement staying cool. Yes, I know, ceiling fans use electricity also, but they don't use as much as your A/C unit does.

5. 

   Hang your clothes out on a clothesline. Electric clothes dryers are a big electric energy waster. Hanging out your clothes uses only sun, wind and your energy! And even if you have a gas dryer, you can save on your gas bill also!)
   
   These are a few simple, inexpensive ways to start saving on your electrical bill. Why not go ahead and try a few and go green for the planet.

Tips & Warnings

• Do what you can. Rome wasn't built in a day.
• Every bit counts.

Resources

• ehow Going Green Guide