Conserving energy in your home helps you save money as well as preserved the energy resources the earth provides us. Below are some tips on how to conserve energy in your home.
Green Lighting
- If you are not using lights, then turn them off.
- Purchase compact fluorescent bulbs that lower energy consumption considerably. You can begin by replacing the bulbs which you frequently use most of the time in your home as you work your way to replacing them all.
- Make your older kids who live with you handle the electricity bill. They will ensure lights which are not in use are turned off to minimize the electricity bill.
- Avoid placing lamps next to the thermostat. The thermostat detects the heat emitted from the lamp and this may alter the frequency in which your air conditioner or furnace will run.
Heating and Cooling
- Alter or clean your furnace and air conditioner filters on a regular basis to maintain the heating and cooling systems functioning at optimum efficiency.
- Set up a programmable thermostat to control your heating and cooling systems for situations when you have left the home.
- Have your heating and cooling systems checked once in a while to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Examine windows and doors to check if they require new weather-strippers by moving a lit candle next to the perimeter of the window or door. A flickering flame is a sign that you should set up new weather-strippers. Avoid placing the candle near curtains and blinds.
- Stay away from waterbeds that consume plenty of energy to heat during cold seasons. If you do possess a water bed, insulate its surroundings as well as cover it with several blankets to trap the heat in.
Washing
- Adjust your water heater to a low power-consuming option or have a service expert come and set it for you.
- Set up a proper insulation blanket to cover your water heater.
- Select cold or warm cycles instead of hot cycles because heating the water uses majority of the energy during laundering.
Refrigerators and Freezers
- Ensure your fridge door gasket seals tight. You can try it out by placing a piece of paper in the closed door. Tug on the paper to check whether it comes out too easily. If it does, you should replace the gasket. Carry out the examination at multiple locations along the door. An alternative examination method is to place a flashlight in the fridge then close the door. If you see light leaking out then you should have the gasket replaced.
- Allow hot food to cool down slightly before placing it in the fridge.
- Set up your fridge away from direct sunlight or near your oven.
Cooking
- Turn off the burner or oven right before the food is fully cooked.
- Utilize a pressure cooker when possible.
- Place a lid on pans to cover them when you are cooking.
- Utilize a microwave instead of an oven, range, or toaster when it is possible.
