Loading
Ways To Conserve Energy
Conserving energy can not only help the environment, but it can also decrease the amount of money spent on utility bills by a significant amount. There are numerous ways that one can conserve energy, and this article will address a handful of them.
One very simple, easy to afford method to cut back on the amount of energy used by your household is to replace your standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs do cost a little bit more up front, but they cut back on the amount of energy used for lighting by up to 75 percent. These bulbs tend to last about ten times longer than regular bulbs as well. Each of these bulbs that is installed will save you an average of $45 over the course of its lifetime. Replace every bulb in your house, and this can end up conserving a good bit of energy.
Another thing that you can do to reduce the amount of energy your home requires is to purchase energy efficient appliances. If your appliance is at least 10 years old, then you may be able to benefit from an upgrade. These appliances, conveniently enough, are usually marked as energy efficient or power savers right on the machines themselves. Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, all of these and more can be updated to models that are designed with energy conservation in mind.
Not all of the ways to conserve energy cost extra money. Simply cutting down the thermometer on your refrigerator can help you to save money and conserve energy. Refrigerators account for about 20% of the overall use of electricity in households. Try setting your refrigerator down to around 37 degrees, and your freezer to about 3 degrees. Also, check to see that the energy saver switch is turned on in your fridge, if you have one.
In addition, try washing your clothes in warm or cold water instead of using hot water. It may seem like an insignificant change, but it can cut back on the amount of CO2 your home puts out by quite a bit. For example, if you have an electric water heater and switch your setting down for just two loads per week, you can save nearly 500 pounds of CO2 per year.
Switching your home over to items that are designed with energy conservation in mind not only helps you to save the environment, but puts less of a strain on your wallet as well. You can feel good about doing your part to cut down on pollution while enjoying a lower utility bill each month.