With the financial, environmental and power generation problems the world is now facing, everyone should be thinking of how to save electricity. From solar and other renewable energies to conservation, there are a lot of ways to do it. If one is looking for tips to save money now though, conservation is the best place to start.
Conservation, and the money and environmental savings that come with it, starts with good habits. By simply being aware of the power being consumed and making good habits, one can significantly reduce consumption and electricity bills. Take a second to turn off the computer (shutdown mode uses more power) or hit the light switch when leaving a room. Habits like these can become second nature and lead to energy conservation even when one does not think of it anymore.
Lighting accounts for about 15% of power consumed in a typical American home, and the energy used in it can be greatly reduced by replacing incandescent bulbs with energy saving light bulbs such as florescent bulbs or super efficient LEDs. Incandescent bulbs are a very old technology and waste more than 90% of the energy they consume (that is why they get so hot). While florescent and LED bulbs initially cost more, they will more than pay for themselves since they conserve electricity, last longer and save on air conditioning costs in the summer.
Although many people are not aware of it, electrical appliances use power even when they are switched off. This power drain accounts for about 10% of the power used in US households now. The simplest way to stop this is to unplug appliances when they are not in use. Since this is often not practical, inexpensive power strips that allow appliances to be shut off at the power source (and smart power strips will do this automatically), are a good investment and will also protect these valuable electrical appliances from power surges.
When buying appliances, people should always look for the Energy Star symbol. Keep in mind that appliances like dishwashers are now designed to use far less power than they did only a generation or two ago. Like light bulbs, spending a bit more for appliances such as refrigerators will more than come back in savings from reduced electric bills. When deciding on whether to replace an appliance, also factor in how a new one might save electricity.
With modern detergents, most clothes wash just fine in cold water, and hot water can in fact damage them. Washing in cold water will save both money and clothes.
Insulation, especially in the attic since warm air rises, cannot be stressed enough. Thoroughly insulating the attic and walls will improve home energy efficiency while increasing the value of the home.
Enclosing porches and covering windows will greatly reduce the energy and money that goes out these openings.
These are just a few energy saving tips. Those looking for more should do a search on how to saving electricity to find tips that will work best for them.
