Every day we make choices that affect how much energy we use and pay for. Follow the steps given below and you can save money without sacrifice or discomfort. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your utility expenses.
Water
Install new high performance, water-saving showerheads. It will cut the cost of your showers in half. Take shorter showers. Set a timer to remind you when time is up. Set the water to less than full force.
With tub baths, keep water levels below three inches.
As far as faucets go don’t leave the water running while shaving. Fix leaky faucets. Install water-saving faucet aerators on sinks you use the most.
When washing dishes don’t run hot water continuously for rinsing. Use a basin or pan. Don't fill basins deeper than needed. Use leftover wash water for soaking.
Refrigerator and freezer
Set the refrigerator to 38-40 degrees F. Place a thermometer near the thermostat to check setting. Set stand-alone freezers to 0 degrees F.
Locate refrigerators and freezers away from heat registers and stoves, if possible. Leave two to three inches clearance around the back, sides and top. Vacuum coils behind or underneath refrigerator twice a year. Clean coils help the compressor run less and last longer.
Keep the door closed. Open the door once to unload several items, instead of opening the door several times in a row.
Lights
Turn off lights when you don't need them.
Install lower wattage bulbs in overhead fixtures. Use floor and desk lamps for close-up work. Keep bulbs and fixtures clean. Dirty fixtures reduce light intensity by as much as 25 percent. Avoid "long-life" light bulbs or "energy buttons" except in hard to reach fixtures. They put out less light and don't save energy.
Install fluorescent lamps in rooms with lights on more than 2 hours a day. Compact fluorescent lamps produce a warm light and fit in many fixtures.
Cooking
Cook several meals at the same time.
Cover pans to cook food faster. Use pans that fully cover the burner. Avoid warped pans on electric burners.
Turn off the oven and burners a few minutes before food is done. It will continue to cook. Preheat the oven only when baking bread and cakes.
Use an electric skillet, microwave oven or toaster oven whenever possible.
TV, radio and stereo
Turn them off when you're not watching or listening.
Besides putting money in your pocket, saving energy is good for the planet. With a little care from everyone, we'll leave cleaner air, more fish in the streams and more resources for future generations.
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