Summary:
Saving energy does not have to be as painful as sunburn, nor does it have to be expensive or time-consuming. It's more about changing a few energy-sucking habits. And where costs are involved, such as having your cooling system checked by a professional on an annual basis, the expense can be offset by making your system more efficient and long-lasting.
Article Body:
Saving money on our summer energy bill is not only good for our family budget, but it is also good for our community. It only takes a few simple steps to reduce your energy bill by up to 20% – 50%.
Saving energy does not have to be as painful as sunburn, nor does it have to be expensive or time-consuming. It's more about changing a few energy-sucking habits. And where costs are involved, such as having your cooling system checked by a professional on an annual basis, the expense can be offset by making your system more efficient and long-lasting.
1.) During the day, close draperies or shades to block the sun.
2.) Install insulation and weather stripping to keep cool air in.
3.) Cook on the grill to keep the heat from inside the house. When cooking on the stove, use a range hood to vent heat outside.
4.) Instead of using an oven, use a microwave. Microwaves use about one-fourth the power of a conventional oven and cook food in about one-fourth the time.
5.) When using a dishwasher, use the air-dry option.
6.) Air conditioners should be serviced once a year, and the filter should be changed on a regular basis. To regulate the temperature in your home, use a programmable thermostat, and turn off air conditioners when no one is home. 7.) When doing laundry, use cold water rather than hot. You will save approximately 85 percent of the energy required to wash your clothes. 8.) Run washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers after 7 p.m., when energy costs are typically lower. 9.) When drying clothes, use the fast spinning cycle rather than the slow spinning cycle to save energy because the fast cycle removes more water. 10.) Replace incandescent lights with fluorescent lights, which use one-third the energy of incandescent lights.
Keep in mind that appliances account for roughly 20% of your household's energy consumption. When compared to models from 15 years ago, a new energy-efficient refrigerator could save between $35 and $70 per year. This amounts to between $525 and $1,050 over the unit's average 15-year life.
Remind your family of the steps and incorporate them into your daily life.