By Will Ung
How I Reduced My Cost of Electricity in One Day
When my wife and I finally decided to look into ways to cut energy costs, we noticed that there are numerous ways to do so. The two biggest things we noticed were that you either implement alternative home energy sources, or you can find ways to reduce the energy you are already using.
You can purchase or make solar panels to store energy for small to midsized appliances. You can also use windmill generators to create and store energy for use like solar panels. I have even seen some setups where combinations of the two systems provide power to naturally heat water. The hot water and steam is then used to power turbine generators that produce even more power.
However, before you begin to budget for a set of solar panels or a windmill for your home, I highly recommend that you start by looking into the basics. There are so many different things you can do right now that will lower your next energy bill.
Here are easy ways my wife and I have saved energy and reduced our bills right away:
1. Control your thermostat
If you don’t already have one, then installing a programmable thermostat can help you manage your heating and cooling systems more efficiently. Turning down the heat or the A/C a few degrees while maintaining comfort can help make a little dent.
2. Turn off your computers and monitor
If you are reading this, then you most likely have a computer at home. When you are done, turn off your computer and monitor. Contrary to popular beliefs, turning them on and off will not damage your systems. If you use your computer intermittently on a frequent basis, try using your computer’s power save or hibernation functions.
3. Use power strips
When you are not using your appliances, you can turn off the power strip (or unplug it if possible) to avoid drawing unnecessary power. When appliances remain plugged in, they draw a constant trickle of electricity even when they are off.
4. Look for the Energy Star symbol when looking for new appliances or home electronics
Buy products that have the Energy Star symbol. Energy Star products meet strict D.O.E guidelines and can help you reduce power loads on a daily basis.
5. Use cold water for your laundry
You won’t need to use extra energy to heat the water, and most clothes won’t know the difference anyway!
6. Lower your water heater temperature
If you lower the temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, your water will still provide enough heat to do shower comfortably and wash your dishes.
7. Use CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs
CFL bulbs last longer than incandescent light bulbs and use less energy in the process. They come in a variety of everyday color temperatures and lumens, so there’s most likely one out there that works for your home.
8. Window coverings
You’d be surprised at how much heat window coverings can hold in. Making sure all of your windows are covered are an excellent way to help make the most out of your heating in the cold.
9. Insulation for hot water storage tanks and piping
By retaining more of the heat, less energy would be expended to maintain a relatively constant temperature.
10. Attic or Wall Insulation
It can be a very big energy energy saver. It can also add to your home’s estimated value. With heat constantly rising, and energy being constantly used to produce more heat, it makes a big difference when your home can retain the most it can. That way there’s no need to produce the extra heat you would need if the energy were to escape through the roof of your house!
In the end, it is completely possible to reduce your energy costs by implementing some of these tips. If you go decide to go the next step and look into using alternative home energy resources, there’s quite a few ways to get into it. With proper planning, it’s even possible to go “off the grid” and never receive an energy bill again.
Good luck going green and off the grid!
Here is a website I have used to help me get started with implementing alternative home energy technology:
http://www.yourhomeenergyguide.com William Ung Thanks to http://www.yourhomeenergyguide.com and my friends at PECO energy for the tips! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Ung
