Question by Geno C: What are some simple yet effective ways to conserve energy?
Looking to cut back on the electric bill and wondering if anyone has made similar cutbacks and do you know or have an idea what it cut your bill by approximately?
Best answer:
Answer by Teri
1. replace all your light bulbs with CFL or LED light bulbs
2. Unplug all electrical items you are not using, For example put your microwave, Coffee maker, or other small kitchen Appliances on a surge protector with an on off switch, then when you leave for the day turn off the surge protector and turn it back on when you get home
3. upgrade your insulation or windows, get a programable thermostat
for more Ideas check out the snohomish county PUD website at www.snopud.com
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Good job for cutting back
Here are some tips:
1. 3/4 of the year, its bright out in the morning, so when you wake up to go to school or work, instead of opening you light to get ready in your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen etc, just open your blinds! Its something a lot of people overlook, but actually, the clear brightness gives a more positive atmosphere in the morning!
2. When your gone during the day, put your thermostat to a lower degree.
3. During the winter, use a humidifier, because of the humidity it will bring in your house, it will feel as though it is warmer, thus you won’t need to put up the heater as much!
4. During the summer, use a dehumidifier which will take some humidity out from your house, thus keeping it cooler, so less need for air conditioning!
Hope this helps!
Hello! I am going to list you a few things I do to save money.
Running a full load of dishes in the dish washer saves money on water and the energy used to heat the water. (you use a lot more water doing them by hand!)
Run a FULL load of clothes in the washer, and you can even set it on Hot/Cold instead of Hot/Hot to save a little extra on heating the water. (Or you can set it on Cold/Cold if your clothing permits).
Turn your fridge and freezer up a notch, you need your food to stay cool of course, but you will probably find its a little cooler then it has to be. And if you are worried about something perishable, push it to the back of the fridge where it is colder. (fridge 36-38, freezer 0-5 degrees)
During the winter you can prevent drafts and loss of heat by updating weather stripping or- a cheaper option- check you local hardware store for plastic to cover the windows. It comes in a box with a double sided tape. (sorry I don’t know the name of it) You can cover windows and unused outlets with plastic and seal the perimeter with the tape. It’s a small thing to do but you can prevent loss of that precious hot air you’re paying for.
Unplug cords you are not using
During the winter when I bake something in the oven, I leave the oven open just a crack after it’s turned off. There is lots of heat in there- I might as well use right. It heats the house and keeps the thermostat down for a little while. (may not work for you if you have small children or pets)
instead of charging you cell phone overnight, charge it for an hour or so during the day and unplug the cord.
In the summer, leave windows open when you’re home and try a fan for some cool air instead of the ac.
Do not run a space heater and the heat at full blast simultaneously. If you opt for a space heater, set your heat back a few degrees. This is great if you know you will be chillin’ out in one room for a while.
Change your light bulbs to an energy saving option. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on light bulbs, try replacing the ones you use the most – for the biggest energy saving impact.
Turn off lights you aren’t using and electronics you are not using.
Replace air filters often. Air conditioners and furnaces work hard to pull air through dirty filters, keeping it clean will allow it to work properly and save you money. (they only cost a few dollars)
If you live in a warm climate area, consider planting a tree near you window for shade during the summer, this could lower the temp in your house a significant deal!
Pick up low-flow shower head for your shower to save on water.
Change your lightbulbs to CFLs.
Turn off lights when you are leaving a room for more than a minute or two.
Use EnergyStar appliances.
Use fans instead of always using the air conditioner.
Wear sweaters or change into cooler clothes instead of always changing the temperature with the furnace/air conditioner.