Working towards reducing air pollution and global warming is greatly shaped by actions at the federal and state levels, but did you know the small steps you take in your own home can also make a big difference? Simple daily habits, easy home improvements, and smart shopping tips can all add up to save a lot of energy over time. Not sure if it's true? Give it a try and let your energy bill show you the results.
1. Make sure you turn things off.
You know, it's not only about remembering to turn off the lights when you leave a room (although, that's pretty important too). But let's also think about your TV, computer, gaming consoles, cable boxes, and DVRs. Make sure they're switched off when you're not using them, or even better, disconnect them if they still consume energy when turned off. Oh, and your chargers for phones, tablets and other gadgets? They can also nibble at your energy even when they're not charging anything. A handy tip is to connect your frequently used appliances to a power strip, so you can turn them all off at once. Easy peasy! Also, here's a fun fact! Setting your computer to sleep or hibernate mode can save a ton of energy compared to when it's on and active. You can easily set it to switch to this mode after 10 to 15 minutes of you not using it. And about those screen savers, they're not really needed to protect modern displays. It's actually more energy efficient to set your monitor to turn off when it's not being used.
2. Go smart with your bulbs.
Are you aware that you can get an LED light bulb from your nearby home improvement stores for a mere $5? These valuable items could potentially save you more than $100 over their lifespan. Furthermore, LEDs are extremely energy efficient, utilizing up to 85% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs, yet still providing the same brightness. The best part? They are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and levels of brightness to meet your requirements. They illuminate instantly and are compatible with dimmer switches. Also, remember to inquire if your local utility provider offers any discounts for energy-saving bulbs. This could make buying your LED even more of a bargain!
3. Don't waste energy.
Try to run your dishwasher only when it's full, and adjust your washing machine's water level to match the load size. You can save even more energy by washing clothes in cold water, unless they're super dirty, of course. Keep your fridge temperature cozy between 28 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer between a chilly 0 and 5. Make sure both are sealed tight too - a trick to test this is trying to pull out a dollar bill shut in the door. If it slips out easily, it might be time to replace the gaskets. Did you know the clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy consumers in the house? It can use as much energy as a new fridge, dishwasher, and washing machine all together. If you can, air-drying clothes is a great option. But if you need to use your dryer, remember to clean the lint filter after every use, use the auto-dry or moisture-sensor setting, and try not to add wet items to a load that's already partially dry. Keep up the great work!
4. Check your TV settings.
Even though modern high-definition TVs are much more energy efficient, using about 60% less energy than older models, it's worth noting that some internet-enabled versions can consume more power, even when turned off. This is mainly due to a handy "quick start" feature that enables them to boot up in less time. Don't worry though, you can simply turn this option off in your TV's settings if you'd like. Also, it's a good idea to check whether your TV has an automatic brightness control, or ABC sensor. This nifty feature adjusts the picture brightness based on the amount of light in the room, which can help you save quite a bit of energy, especially considering most of us enjoy our TV time in the evening. If you're a fan of streaming movies or using platforms like Netflix or YouTube, you might want to consider getting an internet-enabled TV or a low-power, compact add-on device such as an Apple TV, Google Chromecast, or a Roku box. Be cautious of streaming video via gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, as they can consume up to 30 times more energy. However, if you're an avid gamer and regularly use a gaming console, there's a simple solution - just set it to "auto power down" mode.
5. Find out how much electricity you're using.
A tool like the Kill A Watt Meter, a handy electricity usage monitor, helps you measure the energy consumption of all your home appliances, whether they're on or seemingly turned off. These useful gadgets are typically budget-friendly, often costing less than $30 in home improvement stores, and they can provide a wealth of interesting information. For example, you might find out that your DVR set-top box from your cable or satellite provider, even when it's thought to be "switched off", still uses about 20 watts of power even when you're not watching or recording anything.
6. Fill the cracks.
Did you know? If you add up all the spaces around the windows and doors in a typical American home, it's like having a 3-foot by 3-foot hole in the wall! But don't worry, there's an easy fix! You can use caulk and weather-strip to block these air leaks, and a bit of window putty will seal spaces around loose window panes. Attaching "sweeps" or "shoes" to the bottoms of doors can also keep your home's temperature just right, by preventing warm or cold air from escaping. And there's more good news! Insulating your attic, floors, hot water heater and pipes, and even crawl spaces can make your home even more snug and energy efficient. You'd be surprised how much a difference even the simplest actions like replacing old windows or putting rugs on bare floors can make. Why not check with your utility company to see if they offer free energy audits? A professional can evaluate your home and suggest enhancements to make it as comfy and energy-efficient as possible. Sounds like a win-win, doesn't it?
7. Shop smarter options.
Guess what? Many of the appliances you see in stores today use only half as much energy as the ones we had twenty years ago. Isn't that great? So, when you're shopping, look out for those with the Energy Star label. They're specially designed to use 10-40% less energy than other new models. Plus, some electric companies and even a few generous state governments offer rebates on these Energy Star-rated models. Thinking about getting a new computer? Just a friendly reminder: laptops use much less energy than desktops. Plus, you can still hook them up to external monitors and keyboards for a larger screen experience. Planning a bathroom renovation? You might want to swap your old showerheads with new, low-flow models. They're great at preventing hot water - and the energy used to heat it - from just going down the drain.
8. Opt for renewable energy.
Isn't it wonderful that you have the freedom to choose your energy provider? Why not consider one that uses sustainable power sources like solar, wind, low-impact hydroelectric, or geothermal? In some states, you can even show your support for renewable energy with a small extra fee on your electric bill instead of choosing a specific electricity provider. Just chat with your electricity supplier to find out about the options they have for you. It's a simple and easy way to make a positive impact on our planet!
9. Repurpose outdated electronic devices.
When you're shopping for new energy-saving gadgets and electronics, it's important to say goodbye to your old ones in a way that's kind to Mother Earth. Why not hand down working devices like phones, laptops, or tablets to younger family members, or search for buy-back programs online? Shops such as Best Buy and Staples have extensive in-store recycling programs for both working and non-working gadgets. They'll happily take most electronics off your hands and make sure they're properly recycled at no extra charge, no matter where you bought them originally.
10. Adjust the thermostat.
No matter which high-efficiency air conditioner, heater, or water heater you opt for, the real energy savings come from the settings you choose. Think about it - do you really need your air conditioning so cold that you're reaching for a sweater? If you're a homeowner, why not consider a programmable thermostat? It's a small investment of $100 or less and can help cut your energy use by a substantial 20 to 30 percent. That's a potential saving of around $180 per year, just by tweaking the temperature throughout the day! And let's not forget about your gas or electric water heater settings. If it's cranked up higher than necessary, it's working overtime and costing you extra cash to keep hot water on standby. If your faucet's hot water is scalding hot, it's time to lower that setting.
