subject: Conserving Energy [print this page] Taking action to conserve energy like insulating and weather stripping your home and purchasing Energy Star certified appliances, is usually the best, most inexpensive and most powerful environmental action you can take. Today many energy providers offer cleaner, greener energy sources, but by reducing the amount of energy we use is the first course of action to take before choosing a clean, green supplier.
When individuals reduce the amount of energy used, they not only save money, but they also decrease the need for fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning less fossil fuel also creates lower emissions of carbon dioxide into the environment. This does not mean individuals have to go without to attain these savings; there are energy efficient alternatives for almost every kind of appliance or light fixture in a home. Consumers have choices and the ability to change their energy usage on an innovative scale.
By implementing some energy conservation steps, individuals can cut annual emissions by thousands of pounds and save on energy bills. Consider some of the following energy saving investments. First of all to save as much energy as possible individuals will need to make appropriate home improvements such as, insulating walls and ceilings. By doing this it can reduce your heating and cooling bills by about 20 to 30 percent. Another home improvement includes replacing old drafty windows, which will keep warm and cold air out. Make sure to weatherize your windows and doors using caulk and weather striping to plug any air leaks, this is very inexpensive. Also, consider planting shade trees near the house to keep the heat out.
The next step to saving energy is to make sure your appliances are energy efficient. Look for appliances that have an Energy Star label on them. Refrigerators consume about 20 percent of a households energy use, so make sure that the refrigerator is set to 37 degrees and the freezer at 3 degrees to keep energy use to a minimum. Also, be sure to wash your clothes on a cold cycle, not hot, to conserve energy. Another factor to consider is, turn down your water heater. Most water heaters are often set to 140 degrees when 120 degrees is most likely good.
Heating and cooling your home is a huge energy expensive that can be modified, if individuals are willing. During the winter months try to keep the thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. In the warm months try to keep the thermostat at 78 degrees all day and night. Also, it is very important to clean or replace air filters frequently. Air conditioners and hot air furnaces have to work harder to draw air through dirty filters causing energy to be lost. By replacing or cleaning dirty air filters can save around 5 percent of energy used.
There are a few small investments to consider when trying to conserve energy. Try using energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Even though they cost more up front, they save money in the future by using only one fourth the energy of an ordinary incandescent bulb and lasts 8 to12 times longer. Another small investment is to install low flow showerheads in the shower to use less hot water.
With energy prices going through the roof, start learning about how you can cut energy costs today! When comparing a typical home to an energy efficient home, it is likely to reduce yearly energy bills up to 40 percent. It is knowing how to do these little energy conservation processes that will make a difference.
