One of the areas that many families are currently looking at in order to get a handle on their budget is how to conserve energy at home. The prices of fuel are not currently very high, but they are forecast to go up considerably as a direct result of the oil spill in the Gulf. Some of us have also been meaning to do something about environmental issues as well, and there is no time like the present. If we can figure out how to save money by conserving energy at home, perhaps there is a way to do something for the ecology at the same time. Actually, there are a few main areas to focus on in the beginning in order to reduce energy costs while also doing something good for the world we live in.
Step 1: Appliances and Electronics Use Them Wisely
There may not be money in our budget at the moment to go out and buy state of the art electronics and the latest energy star compliant appliances; however, we can make an effort to use what we have wisely. When cooking, try to use the microwave and countertop convection ovens instead of the one in your stove. They use less power to operate and bake foods much quicker. When you are not using appliances, unplug them. Many people just arent aware of the fact that even electronics and appliances that are turned off drain a small amount of power when plugged in. Over the course of a month or a year, that adds up. You can save hundreds of dollars annually by unplugging when not in use.
Step 2: Lighting Indoors and Out Use less Energy
As kids we have all been admonished to Turn off the lights! so many times that it has become like a mantra. Unfortunately, its a mantra that never reached our subconscious minds. This is one piece of advice you should have listened to all those years ago. Every time you leave a room, even for a few minutes, turn off the lights. Also, consider buying compact fluorescent lights (CFL) or LED lights that use even less energy than fluorescent lights. During daylight hours open your curtains and blinds. Let a little sunshine in. Brighten up your room and your mood while conserving energy. Another good idea is to put outdoor security lights on a timer so you wont need to remember to switch them off manually. Again, be cognizant of the bulbs you use. Get rid of the standard incandescent bulbs that utilize so much power.
Step 3: Temperature Control Heat in Moderation
There are two areas in which you can control temperature settings to conserve energy at home. Most analysts suggest a setting of 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. A few degrees make a huge difference in energy consumption but allow for comfort in climate control. Also, regulate the temperature of your hot water heater. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy tells us that for every 10 degrees we turn that thermostat down, we can save 3 to 5 percent on electric bills. Thats a considerable savings in the course of a year. Another tip to stretch those savings even further would be to wrap (insulate) your hot water heater to prevent heat from escaping.
Little changes can yield huge savings both in your budget as well as in terms of the ecology. The more you learn how to conserve energy at home, the more you will be doing something for the environment. Using less energy means that power plants will use less fossil fuel to manufacture that energy. Whether you are trying to reduce your expenditure at home, or are sincerely concerned with protecting this beautiful world we live on, energy conservation is one step you can take to make a difference.
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