8 Great Ideas To Help You Save Energy

Our resources are depleting and our environment is suffering due to the fact that we use too much of everything. Did you know that taking small steps to save our environment can also help you save money? If you follow one or all of the tips below, you can actually see real savings on your energy bill. You can do something but you don't need to do everything.

In a typical U.S. home, appliances and electronics make up about 20% of energy use. The first step is to look for Energy Star labels when buying appliances and products. For energy efficiency, Energy Star labels are strict guidelines created by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency for energy efficiency. By following some of these tips, you can help make the environment better for our future generations and save money at the same time.

Light bulbs. Instead of the conventional incandescent light bulbs, you can save energy by using CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs). Although CFLs cost 3-5 times as much as the incandescent light bulb, CFLs only use one-quarter of the electricity and lasts years longer. Each CFL bulb contains 5mg of mercury so you will have an extra item to sort in the recycling bin.

Doing the Dishes. Never load your dishes in a dishwasher unless they are a full load. Air-dry dishes instead of using a dryer.

Laundry. Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot water when you can. Don't use a dryer and instead, use air-dry or hang your clothes on a clothes line. Don't use the dryer unless it houses a full load.

When it Comes to Refrigerators. Before you open the refrigerator, think of what you want to take out. Extra energy will be wasted if you leave the door open.

Instead of Baths, Take More Showers. If you take showers instead of baths, then this will reduce water usage and also lower your heating bill.

You Need to Turn Off all Appliances That are Not in Use. Turn off all lights, computers, and electronics when they are not in use. Plug all your electronics such as computers, TVs, and DVDs into power strips. When you use a power strip, this can reduce electricity used to power home appliances. Even when your appliances are turned off, energy is still being consumed from the outlet. To avoid extra energy costs, unplug the appliance or use a power strip. An off button is what the power strip has in order to cut all the power from the appliance.

Don't Forget to Weather-Strip Windows and Doors. You need to check doors and windows for air leaks. You can caulk or weather-strip in order to seal air leaks. If you secure the leaks in your home, then hot and cool air will be kept in your home longer. Less heating and cooling will help you save on energy costs. Try Looking for Energy Star Label. Energy Star labels are only given when appliances and products meet strict guidelines of energy efficiency from U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.


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