Cheap and Easy Energy Tips for your Home
Growing up I remember my parents always saying “don’t forget to turn off the lights, nobody is watching the TV so turn it off and most often shut the back door”. Now years later I implement all of those “lessons learned” plus more. Here are a few easy tips that can cut a few dollars off your monthly electric bill and help conserve your energy:
- Turn off all computer equipment when it is not being used and put a screen saver on your computer when it is being used.
- Turn off all lights when you’re not in the room and change all your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents.
- Keep all air vents clean and clear.
- If possible start washing your clothes in cold or warm water.
- Clothes dryers use a fair amount of energy so do not over-dry your clothes. If you notice your clothes are drying within 45 minutes do not set the timer to 60 minutes. Make sure to clean the inside lint filter before each drying cycle.
- On a monthly basis check your flexible metal dryer vent hose to ensure it is properly connected.
- Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load of dishes.
- If possible replace your old refrigerator with an Energy Star approved model and if possible sell the old refrigerator. Placing the old refrigerator in the garage will only increase your energy so make sure your new refrigerator meets your demands for storage.
- Ensure your fireplace damper is closed when not in use so that neither heat nor A/C can escape.
- Make sure everyone in the home turns off all electrical devices that are not being used in all rooms in the home.
- Ensure all doors and windows are properly shut.
Most importantly if you are looking at making a much bigger impact on your electric bill a solar home electric system is the best investment a homeowner can make. A solar home electric system can not only make you energy independent but also zero out your monthly electric bill.
