With ever rising energy costs it’s more important then ever to try and lower our energy use as much as possible. Doing so will not only save us money it will also lessen the burden on the environment.
Here are eight tips to lower energy use:
- Use appliances with labels clearly showing the amount of energy used. They follow government guidelines in the efficient use of energy and will usually have a rating system. They also tend to be newer and, therefor, are more energy efficient.
- Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs). They use 25% less energy then the equivalent incandescent lightbulb and last years longer. They do contain small amounts of mercury, however, and need to be disposed of in a proper manner. Please do not throw them away with the regular garbage.
- Ensure your dishwasher has a full load before using. Air dry the dishes instead of using the dry cycle.
- Wash clothes with warm or cold water whenever possible. Air dry your clothes or use a clothes line. If you do use the dryer ensure a full load.
- Use power bars to turn off appliances. Many devices these days still draw power even though you have turned them off. While it’s not a large amount…over time it adds up. By using a power bar you are turning off the source of power. As a bonus most power bars also add a degree of protection to the device.
- Think of what you want to take out of the refrigerator before opening the door. Repeated opening of the door causes the refrigerator to work more as does leaving the door open.
- Shower instead of having a bath. It uses considerably less water. That means there’s also less water for your hot water tank to heat.
- Weatherstrip windows and doors. You want to heat the inside of your house not the outdoors.