10 Ways To Save Energy In The Home
Written By: Ruth Muhtsun
Americans are simultaneously dealing with a recession and a growing ecological conscience. The few luxuries we can afford during this depressing time may seem to conflict with our sense of obligation towards nature, but in reality there is a way to enjoy human progress and be good stewards of the earth. Furthermore, we can save a few bucks while reducing our energy consumption. Former Vice President Al Gore lines out a few tips for home conservation in his book An Inconvenient Truth.
While there are many things you can do at home to conserve household energy use, consider the demands you as a consumer make on the market. Personal and commercial transportation contributes to a large portion of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere and drives the cost of goods, including fuel.
There are two important things we can do as individuals and as a community to conserve energy consumption:
9.Food comes to us by planes, trains, and trucks. All modes of transportation that require a lot of fuel. And we the consumers get to pick up the tab. However, if we buy local, or grow our own gardens we can reduce our grocery costs and lower the demand for produce from many miles away. Buying used items and clothing can help your budget and temper the mass production of a new fad. We’ve all heard the chant, “recycle, reduce, reuse,” but it’s more than a catchy phrase. It’s very important advise that helps keep a clean planet. It also reduces the need for producers to expend raw materials to manufacture new waste.
10.The other important act we can do as individuals is to consume less fuel. Walking, cycling, and carpooling are all alternatives to excessive driving and gas consumption. The cost of foreign gas is rising, and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has only proven how ugly our addiction has become. However, there are simple solutions to these economical problems. One, buy a fuel efficient car or hybrid. Make sure to take care of your automobile to ensure efficiency and emissions. Use your driving time wisely by using shorter routes and avoiding rush hours.
You don’t have to give up a comfortable lifestyle in order to reduce your energy use. While many of us have been mislead into believing that the only way to save the earth was to give up the trappings of modern civilization, the truth is by consuming smarter and less, we can do more. All it takes is just a few little compromises.
Americans are simultaneously dealing with a recession and a growing ecological conscience. The few luxuries we can afford during this depressing time may seem to conflict with our sense of obligation towards nature, but in reality there is a way to enjoy human progress and be good stewards of the earth. Furthermore, we can save a few bucks while reducing our energy consumption. Former Vice President Al Gore lines out a few tips for home conservation in his book An Inconvenient Truth.
1.The easiest and most beneficial way to conserve energy in the home is by replacing traditional light bulbs with compact florescent lighting. Twenty percent of energy consumed in the home comes from lighting sources. Compact florescent light bulbs are much more efficient and can be used in existing sockets. Old-fashioned light bulbs only illuminate 10% of the energy they expend. Compact florescent light bulbs use 66% less energy and last longer, compensating for their slightly higher cost.
2.When replacing an old appliance consider buying a product designed to be energy efficient. The most well know emblem is the energy star logo seen on items such as refrigerators, computers, air conditioners, etc. (Check www.energystar.gov/products for a listing new energy efficient appliances.)
3.Taking care of your appliances is the next step in keeping your home energy efficient. Keeping your appliances dirt and dust free keeps them running longer and smoother. When using your washer and dishwasher, avoid running partial loads. Even better, hand washing your dishes and air drying your clothes can immensely conserve the energy you use in your home.
4.Another tip is to “Reduce standby power waste.” Twenty-five percent of the energy a television uses is expended when it is turned off. Other appliances such as cell phones, DVD players, and computers consume energy when powered off and plugged in
5.Conserving hot water consumption can also lower your energy use and bills. Setting your meter to a maximum of 120° F , taking shorter showers, and fewer baths can also reduce energy used in the home. Washing your clothes in cold water is also a good start. Front loading washers have shown to be more efficient than top loading washers.
6.Insulating your home properly can also reduce household energy use. Checking for drafts that may allow air to flow freely from inside to outside and repairing them can save you a great deal of money in energy bills and reduce pressure on heating and cooling systems. Insulating your water heater and hot water pipes helps hold in more heat energy. You can find more information about insulating your home atwww.simplyinusulate.com
7.Once your home has been insulated correctly, become aware of how you heat and cool your home. You can spend up to 45% of your energy on heating and cooling your home. But by raising your air conditioner and lowering your heat a few degrees during summer and winter can dramatically cut your energy use. Also adjust your thermostat for long absences from home.
8.For further information and suggestions, you can get a home energy audit. This audit will help you spot ways to improve your energy consumption. Visit www.energyguide.com for a personal assessment of your home.
2.When replacing an old appliance consider buying a product designed to be energy efficient. The most well know emblem is the energy star logo seen on items such as refrigerators, computers, air conditioners, etc. (Check www.energystar.gov/products for a listing new energy efficient appliances.)
3.Taking care of your appliances is the next step in keeping your home energy efficient. Keeping your appliances dirt and dust free keeps them running longer and smoother. When using your washer and dishwasher, avoid running partial loads. Even better, hand washing your dishes and air drying your clothes can immensely conserve the energy you use in your home.
4.Another tip is to “Reduce standby power waste.” Twenty-five percent of the energy a television uses is expended when it is turned off. Other appliances such as cell phones, DVD players, and computers consume energy when powered off and plugged in
5.Conserving hot water consumption can also lower your energy use and bills. Setting your meter to a maximum of 120° F , taking shorter showers, and fewer baths can also reduce energy used in the home. Washing your clothes in cold water is also a good start. Front loading washers have shown to be more efficient than top loading washers.
6.Insulating your home properly can also reduce household energy use. Checking for drafts that may allow air to flow freely from inside to outside and repairing them can save you a great deal of money in energy bills and reduce pressure on heating and cooling systems. Insulating your water heater and hot water pipes helps hold in more heat energy. You can find more information about insulating your home atwww.simplyinusulate.com
7.Once your home has been insulated correctly, become aware of how you heat and cool your home. You can spend up to 45% of your energy on heating and cooling your home. But by raising your air conditioner and lowering your heat a few degrees during summer and winter can dramatically cut your energy use. Also adjust your thermostat for long absences from home.
8.For further information and suggestions, you can get a home energy audit. This audit will help you spot ways to improve your energy consumption. Visit www.energyguide.com for a personal assessment of your home.
While there are many things you can do at home to conserve household energy use, consider the demands you as a consumer make on the market. Personal and commercial transportation contributes to a large portion of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere and drives the cost of goods, including fuel.
There are two important things we can do as individuals and as a community to conserve energy consumption:
9.Food comes to us by planes, trains, and trucks. All modes of transportation that require a lot of fuel. And we the consumers get to pick up the tab. However, if we buy local, or grow our own gardens we can reduce our grocery costs and lower the demand for produce from many miles away. Buying used items and clothing can help your budget and temper the mass production of a new fad. We’ve all heard the chant, “recycle, reduce, reuse,” but it’s more than a catchy phrase. It’s very important advise that helps keep a clean planet. It also reduces the need for producers to expend raw materials to manufacture new waste.
10.The other important act we can do as individuals is to consume less fuel. Walking, cycling, and carpooling are all alternatives to excessive driving and gas consumption. The cost of foreign gas is rising, and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has only proven how ugly our addiction has become. However, there are simple solutions to these economical problems. One, buy a fuel efficient car or hybrid. Make sure to take care of your automobile to ensure efficiency and emissions. Use your driving time wisely by using shorter routes and avoiding rush hours.
You don’t have to give up a comfortable lifestyle in order to reduce your energy use. While many of us have been mislead into believing that the only way to save the earth was to give up the trappings of modern civilization, the truth is by consuming smarter and less, we can do more. All it takes is just a few little compromises.
Posted by Urban Growth KC at 9/9/2010 7:03 AM 
Categories: For The Home
Tags: saving energy energy tips saving money
Categories: For The Home
Tags: saving energy energy tips saving money
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