A Few Other Little Energy Tips

     I had a post a few days ago about CFL bulbs. This resulted in a 30% saving in my electric bills. I usually have lower electric bills then others I talk to that live in similar sized apartments. Here is a few other little tips.

     1. Unplug devices when they are not being used. The coffee pot, toaster, microwave, and any other small kitchen appliances. Appliances use a small amount of current just being plugged in.

     2. Put your entertainment (TV and stereo) and all of the DVD etc on switchable stripes. Also use a strip that have surge protection. This will also protect your devices in a storm or other cause of an electric surge. Switch them off when not using.

     3. Do the same step as above for your computer, wi-fi, router, and printer set up. Same principal. Why do they need power when you are not using them. Also the surge protection also applies.

     4. Set your thermostat closer to the outside temperature. If it is 29 degrees outside people will set their thermostat at 80 degrees. So it feels warmer. Then if it is 90 outside they set the air conditioning at 65. So they feel cool. This not only uses a lot of energy but causes more of a shock to your body when you have to go outside. Wear less or lighter clothes when it is warm. Heavier when cold. Go figure.

     5. Use less lights. Use LED night lights. At night when I am watching TV I can have one night light on in the kitchen and one in the bathroom and see just fine to get around.

     6. Turn the temperature down on your water heater. Water heaters can use a lot of energy. I have been happy with mine turned down to between 100-110 degrees. Which is about as low as I can get it. I still have water hot enough to wash dishes and shower.

     7. Check the setting on your refrigerator. I have had things freezing in mine before. Too cold. It does however keep things longer.

     8. Use your blinds and curtains to regulate the sun coming into your home. Close them to keep the inside cooler in warmer weather and let the sun shine in to help warm the home in cooler weather. This can make a great deal of difference. When I lived up north I had trees planted in the front and back of the house. Back being east and west being west. In the summer the trees helped keep the temp lower from the shade. In the winter the leaves fell off and let the sun through.

     These little tips can save you some money on energy. It may seem to be extra trouble to unplug and switch things off but you get used to it and will not seem like that big of a deal.