Energy Conserving Tips

Our resources are running out because we are using too much of everything. You can save a good portion of money by taking some small steps. You will see real savings on your energy bill if you follow some of these steps. You don't need to do a lot, but you need to do something.

In the American home, appliances and electronics take up 20% of energy use. Look for energy star labels when shopping for appliances. Created by the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, the energy star labels are guidelines to conserve energy. Following these tips can make the environment better for generations to come as well as save you money.

Light bulbs: Use fluorescent lights instead of incandescent lights. Fluorescent lights are 5-5 times more expensive, however, they use a quarter of the electricity and last years longer. Because these lights contain 5mg of mercury, you'll need to sort them in the recycling.

Dishes:Only start washing dishes when you have a full load. Also, air dry dishes instead of using a dryer.

Laundry: Wash your clothes in warm or cold water rather than hot. You can cut down energy even more by hanging your clothes on a line instead of using a dryer. Unless it is a full load, don't use a dryer.

Refrigerator: Think of what you want before you open the door. You will use too much excess energy by leaving the door open for a few minutes.

Take Showers: If you take showers, rather than baths, you will lower the heating bill and water usage.

Turn off all appliances and lights when not in use: Turn off lights, computers, and electronics when not in use. Plug anything you can into a power strip. Using a power strip reduces electricity. Even when your appliance are off, the outlet is still consuming energy. To conserve energy, unplug the appliance or use a power strip. Pressing the off switch on the strip will stop electricity to the appliance.

Weather Strip all Windows: Check windows and doors for leaks of air. You can seal air leaks by caulking or weather stripping. This trick will help keep the air temperature correct in your house. You will be using less heating and air so you'll save energy costs. Energy Star Labels: These are only given when a product meets a set of very strict energy conservation guidelines.


Take some time to review cheaper electricity and discover real savings.