Sep 22 2009
Background
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Change to Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Cut Out 'Phantom Loads'
Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed
Fans Are Cool
Get Efficient Windows
Seal Leaks and Draughts
Boost Your Insulation
Save Water
Get a Green Thumb and Plant Trees and Shrubs
Background
Saving energy around the house is a beautiful win-win situation. Energy saving means your environmental impact is decreased which helps to save the world, plus you will save money on utility bills. Energy savings are generally simple to implement and in many cases, cost nothing to do. This article looks at the top ten ways you can save energy around the home.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
If your existing appliances are in perfect working order continue to use them. Every item you buy has an amount of 'embodied energy' or the energy taken to make and transport it to you. Throwing out a perfectly good appliance is a waste of this embodied energy. However, when your appliances need replacing look for Energy Star type labels that show how energy efficient and appliance is. Choose appliances that use less energy and water in their operation. They may cost more initially, but you will save in the long run.
Change to Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Changing to energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs is quick, cheap and easy. The energy savings will mean the bulb pays for itself quickly and then continue to save you money.
Cut Out 'Phantom Loads'
'Phantom Loads' refers to the power consumed by a device when it isn't actually turned on, including standby power on appliances like televisions. Up to 75% of the power consumed by appliances may be phantom loads, particularly for appliances that are used only rarely. Eliminating phantom loads can be cheap and instantaneous. When not using an appliance simply turn it off at the wall socket or unplug it. For multiple appliances, plug them into a power strip and turn the strip off when the appliances are not being used.
Have a Programmable Thermostat Installed
Your home doesn't need to maintain a constant temperature for the entire day. Have a programmable thermostat installed that adjust the temperature during the day. For instance, reduce the amount of heating and cooling while you are at work - or turn it off completely.
Fans Are Cool
Forget the airconditioner, use fans for cooling when it isn't really all that hot. Pedestal or ceiling fans are inexpensive and cheap to run. Many airconditioners also have a setting that doesn't actually cool, but just uses the fan to circulate air.
Get Efficient Windows
Windows are often not well sealed against air leaks and are a very thin barrier for excluding outside temperatures. Double glazed or storm windows work just as well in hot and cold climates to maintain interior temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling. Although such windows are expensive, the energy savings will accumulate and they will pay for themselves with time. Heavy curtains on windows can also help to stop energy loss through the windows.
Seal Leaks and Draughts
Every small crack in the exterior of your home is another avenue for air to leak in and out of your house lowering the ability to maintain interior temperatures and increasing your reliance on artificial heating and cooling. Improving insulation and sealing air leaks can make a dramatic reduction in energy consumption
Boost Your Insulation
Increasing the amount of insulation in your house is one of the most effective ways to save energy. The simplest place to start is by boosting the amount of insulation in your ceiling or attic.
Save Water
Reducing your household water consumption will save on your water bill. Reducing the amount of hot water you consume will save on both your water bill and your energy costs. Have faster showers, was your clothes in cold water, don't leave the tap running as you brush your teeth, install a dual flush toilet cistern. These are just a couple of ways in which you can save water around the house.
Get a Green Thumb and Plant Trees and Shrubs
Insulating your house stops the heat of summer getting to the inside of your house. Planting trees and shrubs around the house can stop the direct heat of the sun getting the house - period. Trees should be carefully selected and a suitable planting location chosen, but an intelligently designed garden can slash summer electricity bills by up to 40 percent.
Source: AZoCleantech