- Saving energy isn't just good for your pocketbook, it is also good for the planet. There are many simple things you can do every day to save energy at home. Follow these tips and you'll see a reduction in your home energy usage and your monthly power bill.
- Put an egg timer in your bathroom and time your showers. Most people think they're taking a "short" shower, but, in fact, they may be using many more gallons of hot water than they realize. That water has to be heated, which can use quite a bit of power for the average family. By setting a 10-minute egg timer, you can save water and energy.
- Set the temperature of the water in your hot water heater. Hot water heaters have thermostats, and you can set yours to somewhere around 120 degrees to save energy. You'll still get a nice hot shower, but you probably won't be able to scald yourself.
- You can also set the thermostat in your house to a more energy-efficient setting. If you have an electric thermostat with a timer feature, you can set different temperatures depending on when you're home or when the house is empty. Set your thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter, and adjust accordingly when everyone gets home. If you have a manual thermostat, just turn it up or down before you leave for work. You might be surprised how much power is saved during the day.
- Ever heard of a phantom load? That's the power that's pulled into electronic devices even when they're turned off. Sometimes it's also called a "vampire load". If you have appliances and devices that are plugged in all the time--a large-screen TV, computer, cell phone charger--you may be losing more power than you think every month. Unplug any appliance or device that you are not using.
- One easy way to cut the power to these devices is to plug them into a power strip or surge protector and turn it off when the appliances are not in use. This will cut the flow of electricity to the device, and that might be fine for a TV or a computer but you'll probably want to keep your TiVo or VCR plugged into the wall; otherwise it won't be able to turn on to record anything.
- Install compact fluorescent bulbs that have been shown to last longer and use less energy. There are also other types of energy saving bulbs, such as LED and halogen.
- Ceiling fans should spin in different directions in winter and summer. A fan will pull down warm air in the winter if it is set to spin clockwise. During the summer, it can pull hot air up and away from the room if the blades spin counter-clockwise. This can save a lot of energy by reducing the workload of your central air system. Most fan instructions will tell you how to adjust the spin of your fan.
- Make sure your insulation is up to par. This may require a trip to the attic or the help of an insulation specialist. The importance of good insulation cannot be underestimated. A well-insulated house will save energy year-round because the temperature inside can be maintained with minimal power.
- Install energy-efficient windows. Having new windows won't save as much energy as having proper insulation, but because new windows are usually sealed well you can maintain indoor temperatures more efficiently. Even if you don't get new windows, take the time to inspect and seal windows and doors. The less air that leaks from the house, the more energy is saved.
- This might be the most obvious, and the most forgotten, way to save energy at home: Turn off all the lights when you leave a room. Turn off your computer and monitor when you are not using them. Do not forget to unplug them or turn off the surge protector.
