Household energy costs in America have, according to the US Department of Energy, risen by a stupendous TWELVE PERCENT! Even more startling is the price of natural gas, which rose by 23 percent.
Fortunately for us, there are many ways we can benefit our wallet and the Land That We Love as well by saving on energy, and eventually becoming less dependent on a thing that is fast becoming a necessary evil.
Let It Be A Cool, Not Cruel Summer
Instead of using those humongous, heavy-duty ovens, use a microwave instead.
You can save on electricity by means of using a power strip. More often than not, unplugging a home appliance from the socket is the only way we can save energy, as these machines do not shut off completely when simply turned off. These products draw power 24 hours a day. Instead, save money by plugging your appliances into a power strip to shut them off.
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 115 and take showers instead of baths.
Save energy when washing dishes and laundry by washing full loads.
Landscaping - A Natural Way TO Save Energy
All you need is three trees (neat rhyme, eh?) planted around your house in order to save up to $250 on annual temperature regulation costs.
Vines can help to this end - grow them on trellises or on the side of your air conditioning unit or the side of the house to provide shade for windows.
AC, Appliances And Lighting
Open windows, when conditions permit, and use fans instead of air-conditioning. You'll want to use a fan to ventilate your rooms as much as possible, or keep the windows open whenever possible.
Install a programmable thermostat on your AC unit so you can automatically adjust it in the evening or if everybody's out.
Do not place lamps and television sets near the thermostat. Heat from appliances and lamps could cause the air conditioner to run longer.
Shade The Windows
White shades, drapes and blinds can be installed for better heat reflection. Close curtains on southwest-facing windows during the day. After all, you wouldn't want to overwork that AC because of undue sun exposure.
Instead of using single-paned or double-paned windows, use those with the Energy Star (tm) label - these can drastically slash your electric bill moving forward. Best of all, you can get a tax refund if you install them before the end of the year!
Man-Made Weather Control
Using weather stripping and caulking can be useful in cooling indoor air by keeping the hot air outside. Holes in ducts must be entrusted to a professional to fix up.
Add insulation around AC ducts in attics and crawl spaces.
You may even want to have the entire house insulated - it's an investment worth considering.
The Energy Star (tm) label is one label you want to ensure is on the products you buy. This is a seal of quality that indicates you are buying products that not only perform well, but are energy efficient and comfortable too.
By buying Energy Star (tm)-approved products, homeowners may be able to save about 30 percent off their energy bill, which translates to about $450 annually.
Fortunately for us, there are many ways we can benefit our wallet and the Land That We Love as well by saving on energy, and eventually becoming less dependent on a thing that is fast becoming a necessary evil.
Let It Be A Cool, Not Cruel Summer
Instead of using those humongous, heavy-duty ovens, use a microwave instead.
You can save on electricity by means of using a power strip. More often than not, unplugging a home appliance from the socket is the only way we can save energy, as these machines do not shut off completely when simply turned off. These products draw power 24 hours a day. Instead, save money by plugging your appliances into a power strip to shut them off.
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 115 and take showers instead of baths.
Save energy when washing dishes and laundry by washing full loads.
Landscaping - A Natural Way TO Save Energy
All you need is three trees (neat rhyme, eh?) planted around your house in order to save up to $250 on annual temperature regulation costs.
Vines can help to this end - grow them on trellises or on the side of your air conditioning unit or the side of the house to provide shade for windows.
AC, Appliances And Lighting
Open windows, when conditions permit, and use fans instead of air-conditioning. You'll want to use a fan to ventilate your rooms as much as possible, or keep the windows open whenever possible.
Install a programmable thermostat on your AC unit so you can automatically adjust it in the evening or if everybody's out.
Do not place lamps and television sets near the thermostat. Heat from appliances and lamps could cause the air conditioner to run longer.
Shade The Windows
White shades, drapes and blinds can be installed for better heat reflection. Close curtains on southwest-facing windows during the day. After all, you wouldn't want to overwork that AC because of undue sun exposure.
Instead of using single-paned or double-paned windows, use those with the Energy Star (tm) label - these can drastically slash your electric bill moving forward. Best of all, you can get a tax refund if you install them before the end of the year!
Man-Made Weather Control
Using weather stripping and caulking can be useful in cooling indoor air by keeping the hot air outside. Holes in ducts must be entrusted to a professional to fix up.
Add insulation around AC ducts in attics and crawl spaces.
You may even want to have the entire house insulated - it's an investment worth considering.
The Energy Star (tm) label is one label you want to ensure is on the products you buy. This is a seal of quality that indicates you are buying products that not only perform well, but are energy efficient and comfortable too.
By buying Energy Star (tm)-approved products, homeowners may be able to save about 30 percent off their energy bill, which translates to about $450 annually.
About the Author:
In just a few clicks, you will find the best used cars in Tallyville, in a price range that falls within your budget.
No comments:
Post a Comment