Simple changes made throughout your home can save you hundreds of dollars a year as well as helping the environment by conserving our natural resources. There is a major problem with energy consumption in the world, and we can choose to be a vital part of the solution, or we can continue with the same old mentality and continue to do nothing. There are actually an infinite number of Energy Conservation Techniques that can be utilized around the home to help save money at the same time as working toward saving the planet.
Technique 1: Home Insulation
Extra insulation can be added to the attic and walls of the home. Make absolutely sure that there is weather stripping and/or caulking around windows and door frames. In addition, make sure that any leaks or cracks in the walls or ceiling are properly sealed and repaired. Getting rid of old single pane windows and installing new energy-efficient windows is also a good idea. Some consumers choose to install storm windows instead, depending on what part of the country they live in.
Technique 2: Energy Efficient Lighting
It is possible to save hundreds of dollars in electric bills each year by replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent and/or LED bulbs. Studies have shown that these highly efficient bulbs draw between 50% and 80% less energy that a regular light bulb. While they cost a bit more, they last much longer and cost less to use.
Technique 3: Energy Saving Appliances
In recent years there has been an increasing market in energy saving appliances. When purchasing new appliances look for the Energy Star logo. When it becomes necessary to replace old or broken appliances, there are an almost infinite number of energy star compliant appliances to choose from.
Technique 4: Install Solar Panels
Energy from the sun can be harnessed without using any of the planets natural resources. Many power companies will even refund money or add credit toward the next bill if unused energy is actually fed back into the power grid. While there is an initial investment, the long term savings will more than make up for what the out of pocket cost may be.
Technique 5: Turn It Off
Many people leave their home computers running all the time not realizing that when a computer is idle and left on, it utilizes as much energy as it does when someone is actually using it. Set hard drives to sleep or shut off automatically when left idle for a specified period of time. Switch off the lights when leaving a room. Even leaving a radio, stereo or television set playing while you are not home, or not using them, uses energy that could be saved.
In short, there are many things we can do to help conserve energy. We cannot change the world, or what other people do, but we can make the necessary changes to our own little corner of the planet. Finding energy conservation tips is not difficult and can save a lot of money over the course of a year, not to mention the good you will be doing for the earth.
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