These energy saving tips will show you how to reduce your impact on both the environment and your energy bills.
1. Turn out the lights when you leave a room. This is probably the easiest thing you can do to save energy – just flip the switch on your way out.
2. Turn off electronic devices when you are not using them. This includes TVs, computers, DVD players, stereos, and any other electronic devices. If you’re not using it, why leave it on? To take this one step further, you can also unplug devices like cell phone chargers when they are not in use. They still use a small amount unless they are completely unplugged, even if they do not appear to be in use.
3. Invest in energy-efficient light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent bulbs. These are slowly replacing regular incandescent bulbs, and they use significantly less energy.
4. In the winter, wear extra layers around the house. Simply turning up the thermostat seems so easy, but putting on a sweater uses a lot less energy. Try to have an extra-comfy sweater or sweatshirt handy that you can throw on over anything when you get cold. Wearing long underwear, tights or leggings under your pants can also be helpful if it is particularly chilly.
5. During the winter, open shades during the day; during the summer, close them. Sunlight can have a powerful effect on the temperature of a room, especially if that room faces south and receives more sun. Use this to your advantage by keeping your living space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
6. Block the bottoms of doors in winter to prevent heat from escaping. You can buy a door draft snake or make one yourself.
7. Hang clothes to dry rather than use a dryer. This is very easy to do and will even make your clothes last longer; using a dryer causes clothes to shrink and lose their shape. You can buy a rack to hang them on at places like Bed Bath and Beyond. Be careful about using hangers to dry clothes, as they may stretch some fabrics.
Hope these tips help you to save energy!