1. Keep all of your windows and doors located near your thermostat closed tightly. If you have a draft of heat or air, that can trigger your system to turn on, subsequently heating or cooling your home un-necessarily.

2. Keep heat sources, like lamps, away from your thermostat. These heat sources can also trigger your system to turn on when it’s not necessary.

3. Use lower watt bulbs where lighting is not critical.

Place floor lamps and hanging lamps in the corners of a room. The reflection of light off of the walls will give you more light.

4. Turn off your outdoor lighting during the day. If you get home from work after dark and want a light on, use a timer or purchase a motion sensor light.

1. Reduce your water bill by taking showers instead of baths, and by taking short showers. This will reduce the amount of hot water you use. Turn off your water when brushing your teeth.  If you use cold water to rinse clothes when washing, this will also help save energy and money.

2. Only run your dishwasher and your clothes washer when you have a full load. If you have to run a smaller load, adjust the settings to accommodate a smaller load… particularly on your washing machine, this will reduce the amount of water you use per load.

3. Dry one load of clothes immediately after another to minimize heat loss. Take advantage of your dryer being warm and dry a second load of clothes.

4. Air dry your dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s heat cycle.

5. Match the size of the pot or pan you use to accommodate what you’re cooking. If you’re frying up one hamburger you don’t need to use a large skillet. By the same token, use the corresponding burner to your pot or pan. When using a small pot or pan, use a smaller burner.

6. Defrost frozen food in your refrigerator instead of using the microwave. You use less energy, and in my opinion your food will taste better.

7. Keep your freezer full. The more full your freezer is, the less cold air you will lose when you open your freezer’s door. Keep the temperature in your fridge between 36-39 degrees F and your freezer set at 0-5 degrees F.

8. Clean your refrigerator coils on a regular basis to help keep your compressor running effectively.

9. If you want to clean your oven, use the self-cleaning cycle right after you’ve finished baking. That way your oven will have a head start heating up.

10. Reference your appliance manuals. They include these for a reason folks!!! These manuals provide important information that will help you get the most out of your appliances, as well as help you save energy and therefore money.

Household Energy Saving Tips

• Always unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. If you add the amount of energy these items use, it can add up to as much power as your refrigerator.
• Install faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads. This will help cut water and heating costs by 50% and save you approximately $300 per year. This will also cut your water use by up to 50%. Imagine cutting the amount of water you use in half!
• Did you know that by setting your air conditioner 5 degrees higher will save you up to 20% on your cooling costs?
• Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees or to the “normal” setting when you are home and to the lowest setting when you’re away. Heating water accounts for about 13% of your home’s energy costs.
• Lower your air conditioning costs by using fans, by keeping windows and doors closed and by closing your blinds and drapes during the day. Most ceiling fans use less energy than a light bulb.
• When possible, wash your clothing in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to heating the water.
• Make sure your clothes dryer’s outside vent is clear and clean your lint filter before every dry cycle (or after every load). When shopping for a new drying appliance, look for a dryer with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when your clothes are dry.
• Taking advantage of energy deregulation in your state.

1. Have your ductwork inspected and repair any leaks. You’ve caulked and weatherstripped around your windows and doors, but if your duct work is leaking then you’re still going to be paying a higher energy bill. A leak is a leak and you need to make sure that your system is sealed properly as well as your home. If you’re not handy, call a professional… skimping is going to cost you more money in the long run. You want to do it right the first time.

2. Wrap your water heater with insulation or install an insulating blanket. You want your water heater to operate efficiently. This is important especially if you live in a cooler climate.

3. Use power strips for home electronics and turn off power strips when you’re not using your equipment. For that matter, keep all small appliances unplugged as a general rule. It’s best to keep blenders, food processors, toasters and toaster ovens unplugged when you’re not using them. If you have lamps or clocks out for decoration, and not for use, then keep them unplugged. That way you’re not leaking energy.

4. Use your microwave when possible. Microwaves cook faster and they don’t create as much heat as a stove top. Obviously some things just taste better cooked the old fashioned way just be conscientious about what and how you cook.

5. Turn off lights, TV’s and other appliances when you’re not using them. Did you mom ever “nag” you to turn off the lights when you left a room? Well, if you’re now paying your own electricity bill you know why she said that. If you’re home during the day, open your blinds and let the sunshine in. You’ll be surprised at how few lights you might need to turn on during the day. Encourage your kids to play outside or, give them an art project t to do inside, but with the TV off. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what kinds of conversations you’ll have with your kids when they’re not distracted by the television. You’ll save energy and strengthen the lines of communication with your kids!

One of the quickest ways to lower your energy bill is to make improvements to your lighting. The average household uses 11% of its energy budget on lighting, but with the right tools you can reduce the amount of energy you use for lighting by 50% to 75%.

For indoor lighting use linear fluorescent tubes and energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).  Fluorescent lamps are much more energy efficient than standard bulbs, last 6-12 times longer and provide high quality, high efficiency lighting. And by making the switch you’ll save money and energy. CFLs offer brightness and color that is comparable to incandescent (regular) bulbs. The price of fluorescent bulbs is slightly higher than a standard bulb; however, over their lifetime they are cheaper because they use far less energy. They also make CFL fixtures that are compatible with dimmers, just like a standard bulb.

CFLs can save you about $30.00 in electricity over the lifetime of each bulb. CFLs produce about 75% less heat, are safer to operate and can reduce your home cooling costs. You can use CFLs in your family room, living room, bedrooms and kitchen. They can even be used outdoors.

In addition to changing your bulbs you can reduce your spend of energy and lower your bills in other ways. When remodeling, look for recessed down lights (or cans) that are rated for contact with insulation (IC rated). Utilize controls like timers and photo cells that save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity because they use lower light levels. Make sure you select products that are CFL compatible, because all products are not. Utilize daylight by using light-colored, loose-weave curtains on your windows to let the daylight in. These curtains will allow for privacy while letting in the sun light.

Lowering your energy bill is really easier than you think and it takes very little time to implement the changes needed.

Many people think that outdoor lighting has to be expensive because it has to look nice… not true. There are a variety of energy efficient lighting options to choose from. Low-voltage lighting, motion detector lighting and light emitting diodes (LEDs) are all great energy saving options. LEDs thrive outdoors because they are durable and perform well in cold weather. LEDs offer better light quality than regular bulbs (incandescent bulbs) and last up to 25 times as long.

Typically outdoor lights are left on for extended periods of time. By using compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) you can save a lot of energy and a lot of money. Most spiral CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures because the fixtures protect them from the weather. CFLs are also available as flood lights. The flood lights are tested to withstand inclimate weather such as rain and snow, so these can be used in open or exposed fixtures.

Energy Star happens to make great energy saving lighting that’s designed especially to be used outside. These lights have features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors… saving you even more money.

Saving energy and money is really simple, easier than you probably thought and you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you get your next energy bill and start to add up your savings. Lower Your Electric Bill Now!

1. Caulk and weatherstrip around your windows and doors. This will stop air from leaking in and your heat and air from escaping. If you have gaps around your windows and doors you are basically paying to heat or cool your neighborhood. Weather stripping is not expensive and you can find the materials you need at any local hardware store.

2. Seal gaps in your floors, walls and around pipes and electrical wiring. These leaks can be as costly as heat or air escaping through unsealed windows and doors. Again, these gaps are not expensive to fix and materials can be purchased at your local hardware store.

3. Change your air filters monthly. A dirty air filter can cost you a lot of money because your system has to work twice as hard to pump air in and out. Air filters are not expensive and you can find a variety of filters at your local hardware shop. The expense will vary depending on how sturdy a filter you need or if you require a special filter for allergy reduction.

4. Replace incandescent bulbs (standard/regular) with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). CFLs use about 75% less energy than standard bulbs and last about 10 times longer. They might cost you slightly more to purchase, but you will more than make your money back in the energy you save and by buying fewer bulbs.

5. Fix all leaky faucets. One drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month.

Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Go around and make a list of what could be done and then complete one task at a time. Have fun with it! Energy saving can be addicting when you see little changes making a huge difference.

Green energy is the term used to describe sources of energy that are considered to be environmentally friendly and non-polluting, such as geothermal, wind, solar, and hydro. Green energy sources are often considered “green” because they are perceived to lower carbon emissions and create less pollution.

Green energy is commonly thought of in the context of electricity generation. A fuller picture requires appreciation of efficient energy use as well as mechanical power, heating and cogeneration. Consumers, businesses, and organizations may purchase green energy to support further development, help reduce the environmental impacts of conventional electricity generation, and increase their nation’s energy independence. Renewable energy certificates (green certificates or green tags) have been one way for consumers and businesses to support green energy.

Sustainable energy is the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A broader interpretation may allow inclusion of fossil fuels as transitional sources while technology develops, as long as new sources are developed for future generations to use. A narrower interpretation includes only energy sources which are not expected to be depleted in a time frame relevant to the human race, which can potentially also include nuclear power if it is utilized differently from the current manner.

Sustainable energy sources are most often regarded as including all renewable sources, such as biofuels, solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal power and tidal power. It usually also includes technologies that improve energy efficiency. Conventional fission power is sometimes referred to as sustainable, but this is controversial politically due to concerns about peak uranium, radioactive waste disposal and the risks of disaster due to accident, terrorism, or natural disaster.