Post by Veggiechef on Apr 1, 2010 3:00:23 GMT
Trying to keep it green? Trying to lower your energy costs? Good for you!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D If you're just starting out on your green path, here are some simple ways to save energy and lower your costs at the same time:
Install Low-Flow Shower Heads Less water flowing through your shower head means less water to heat.
Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap Remove the lint from your dryer trap after each load to maximize your dryer’s efficiency. Then, scrub it down with soapy water and a brush once every couple months to remove any additional lint trapped in the screen.
Use Dryer Balls Toss Dryer Balls into the dryer with your clothes to speed drying time.
Install a Tankless Hot Water Heater The next time you need to replace your hot water heater, consider going with a tankless hot water heater (also known as an on-demand hot water heater). They can cut your hot water energy cost by half.
Insulate Behind Electrical Outlets and Switches Pick up a package of electrical outlet sealers, and place one behind all of the outlets and switches in your home.
Install Storm Doors Storm doors are a great way to prevent energy loss. Install one on all of your exterior doors, and the government will even give you a tax credit for your efforts.
Clean Your Refrigerator's Coils When your refrigerator has dirty condenser coils it has to work harder to cool your foods. Perform maintenance on your refrigerator once every three months to optimize its efficiency.
Turn Your Stove and Oven Off Early Turn the stove or oven off a few minutes before your food is done, and let the built up heat finish the job for you.
Install Motion Sensors Motion sensors can be installed both inside and outside the home to ensure that lights only come on when they’re needed.
Use Smart Strip Replace you regular surge protectors with Smart Strip surge protectors, which automatically turn off power to plugs that are not in use. Then, say goodbye to those phantom energy users.
Install a Water Heater Timer Traditional hot water heaters heat water throughout the day – whether you need it or not. Install a water heater timer, and set yours to run just when you need it. How much will this save? Expect to see a 5-12% reduction in your hot water heater's energy costs.
Replace Regular Night Lights with LED LED night lights cost less than 25 cents a year to run, and are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Switch to Solar Lights Outdoors Harness the power of the sun by using solar lights for all of your outdoor needs. They'll absorb the sun's energy during the day, and run for free at night – a real bargain.
Don't Put Uncovered Foods/ Drinks in the Refrigerator Condensation makes the fridge work harder, and costs you more money.
Allow Foods to Cool Before Putting Them in the Refrigerator Placing hot foods in your fridge will increase the interior temperature, and cause your refrigerator to work harder.
Keep Your Second Refrigerator in the Basement; Not the Garage The extreme temperatures in your garage – hot in the summer and cold in the winter – will cause your refrigerator to work harder; so if you have a choice, place your second refrigerator in the basement, where the temperature is more constant.
Cook with the Lids On Foods cook faster with lids on because the heat can't escape.
Don't Preheat the Oven Unless You Have To For casseroles – and other foods that require long cook times – preheating the oven usually isn't necessary. The exception: meats and other temperature-critical foods
.
Use Your Microwave Instead of the Oven Microwaves use less electricity, and don't release as much heat into your home.
Remove Sediment from Your Hot Water Heater Sediment build up in your hot water heater can reduce the efficiency of the heating elements. Use the valve on the side of your hot water heater to drain the sediment twice yearly
Install Low-Flow Shower Heads Less water flowing through your shower head means less water to heat.
Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap Remove the lint from your dryer trap after each load to maximize your dryer’s efficiency. Then, scrub it down with soapy water and a brush once every couple months to remove any additional lint trapped in the screen.
Use Dryer Balls Toss Dryer Balls into the dryer with your clothes to speed drying time.
Install a Tankless Hot Water Heater The next time you need to replace your hot water heater, consider going with a tankless hot water heater (also known as an on-demand hot water heater). They can cut your hot water energy cost by half.
Insulate Behind Electrical Outlets and Switches Pick up a package of electrical outlet sealers, and place one behind all of the outlets and switches in your home.
Install Storm Doors Storm doors are a great way to prevent energy loss. Install one on all of your exterior doors, and the government will even give you a tax credit for your efforts.
Clean Your Refrigerator's Coils When your refrigerator has dirty condenser coils it has to work harder to cool your foods. Perform maintenance on your refrigerator once every three months to optimize its efficiency.
Turn Your Stove and Oven Off Early Turn the stove or oven off a few minutes before your food is done, and let the built up heat finish the job for you.
Install Motion Sensors Motion sensors can be installed both inside and outside the home to ensure that lights only come on when they’re needed.
Use Smart Strip Replace you regular surge protectors with Smart Strip surge protectors, which automatically turn off power to plugs that are not in use. Then, say goodbye to those phantom energy users.
Install a Water Heater Timer Traditional hot water heaters heat water throughout the day – whether you need it or not. Install a water heater timer, and set yours to run just when you need it. How much will this save? Expect to see a 5-12% reduction in your hot water heater's energy costs.
Replace Regular Night Lights with LED LED night lights cost less than 25 cents a year to run, and are guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Switch to Solar Lights Outdoors Harness the power of the sun by using solar lights for all of your outdoor needs. They'll absorb the sun's energy during the day, and run for free at night – a real bargain.
Don't Put Uncovered Foods/ Drinks in the Refrigerator Condensation makes the fridge work harder, and costs you more money.
Allow Foods to Cool Before Putting Them in the Refrigerator Placing hot foods in your fridge will increase the interior temperature, and cause your refrigerator to work harder.
Keep Your Second Refrigerator in the Basement; Not the Garage The extreme temperatures in your garage – hot in the summer and cold in the winter – will cause your refrigerator to work harder; so if you have a choice, place your second refrigerator in the basement, where the temperature is more constant.
Cook with the Lids On Foods cook faster with lids on because the heat can't escape.
Don't Preheat the Oven Unless You Have To For casseroles – and other foods that require long cook times – preheating the oven usually isn't necessary. The exception: meats and other temperature-critical foods
.
Use Your Microwave Instead of the Oven Microwaves use less electricity, and don't release as much heat into your home.
Remove Sediment from Your Hot Water Heater Sediment build up in your hot water heater can reduce the efficiency of the heating elements. Use the valve on the side of your hot water heater to drain the sediment twice yearly
