How to Conserve Energy as Much as You Can

Turn off those lights when you are not using them.

While the modern world runs on energy from one source or another, many of these sources produce environmental pollutants. In addition, these energy sources are becoming scarcer, and energy costs are going up. For environmental and economic reasons, many people are attempting to find ways to conserve as much energy as they can.

Instructions

1. Reduce the temperature of your water heater to 130 degrees. This is sufficient to prevent bacteria growth in the tank, while at the same time using the minimum amount of energy needed for the appliance.

2. Replace your current high wattage bulbs with energy efficient bulbs. Turn these off when you are not using them.

3. Turn off both your computer and monitor at night. It is a myth that turning it off and on uses more energy than leaving it on all night.

4. Wear less in the house in summer and more in winter so you use less energy for heating and cooling. Install an automatic thermostat to keep the energy usage lower.

5. Examine your current insulation. If it is inadequate, complete an upgrade, since it will save a surprising amount of energy. Check the caulking around windows and doors. If the caulking is dry, cracking or falling off, replace it.

6. Replace older appliances with more efficient ones. Often a new appliance can do this same job as the old one at a fraction of the energy usage. Unplug electronics that you don't use often, since many appliances use energy even in standby mode.

7. Use a clothesline instead of a dryer. People have used the sun and wind to dry their clothes for centuries.

References

• Go-Green: Conserving Energy
• Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District: Save Energy