USEFUL TIPS FOR SAVING ENERGY
1. Insulate your home
Having a warm and dry house is top priority for home owners and with heating making up a large portion of electricity bill it’s important to keep that heat in. Insulation will ensure the majority of the heat remains inside the house as well as preventing draughts and cold spots.
2. Upgrade your appliances to energy efficient models
Read the energy star rating of any device or appliance before you purchase it. Do your research and compare models, there is almost double the usage between some washing machine models! Never buy more than you need, for a professional couple there is little need for a 10kg washing machine – think practically.
3. Install CFL light bulbs
For a more economical and eco-friendly light bulb switch to CFL bulbs, they require much less energy to run and last 7 times longer.
4. Manage your homes electricity with smart meters
Take advantage of smart meters. They offer a great energy monitoring service right inside your home. A smart meter can provide up-to-date information about your energy consumption in various forms, arming you with the tools to manage your family’s power usage.
[I:http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/extras/pics/debinzimage17.jpg]
5. Air dry your washing
Use an outdoor washing line or a drying rack instead of the clothes dryer, it’s better for your clothes and will save a big chunk of your electricity bill. Avoid heated drying racks too, they require a large amount of electricity with little enhanced drying results.
6. Switch electronics off at the wall
Ghost loading occurs when appliances such as televisions and stereos are left on standby; the same goes for AC adapters that aren’t removed from the wall. Although not in use, they are still drawing electricity which is a complete waste of money. Switch appliances and devices off at the wall or unplug them altogether.
7. Control the temperature of your hot water cylinder
By lowering the temperature of the household hot water cylinder you will save money and prevent scalding. There are thermostats available that can be programmed to lower the temperature of your cylinder while you are away; this is another effective way to save energy with your hot water.
8. Limit unnecessary vehicle use
Plan vehicle free days that involves the whole family finding other eco-friendly ways to get around; it’s fun and saves a few dollars along the way too. If you know the family need to make several car trips a day, leave the car in the driveway rather than the garage. Opening and closing the electric garage door all day long is a waste of electricity.
9. Make use of the heat you have
Dress appropriately for the weather to avoid other costly heating methods like fan and oil heaters. Make use of the sun during the day and close your drapes on dusk, this will keep the majority of the day’s heat in.
10. Landscape for energy efficiency
Trees are great to have around the house. They are visually effective and provide shady spots during the warm summer weather. The downside is trees can often block the sun, preventing natural heat from the sun entering the house. Luckily this problem is easily solved; when choosing trees, opt for deciduous varieties. These trees provide full shade during summer, but will shed through autumn allowing the sun in.
11. Involve the family
Make the family aware of the importance of greener living and energy efficiency; get them all involved in the fun! Working together as a team makes a huge difference and this is a great way to bring the family closer too. Set up competitions with small prizes to keep everyone motivated.
1. Insulate your home
Having a warm and dry house is top priority for home owners and with heating making up a large portion of electricity bill it’s important to keep that heat in. Insulation will ensure the majority of the heat remains inside the house as well as preventing draughts and cold spots.
2. Upgrade your appliances to energy efficient models
Read the energy star rating of any device or appliance before you purchase it. Do your research and compare models, there is almost double the usage between some washing machine models! Never buy more than you need, for a professional couple there is little need for a 10kg washing machine – think practically.
3. Install CFL light bulbs
For a more economical and eco-friendly light bulb switch to CFL bulbs, they require much less energy to run and last 7 times longer.
4. Manage your homes electricity with smart meters
Take advantage of smart meters. They offer a great energy monitoring service right inside your home. A smart meter can provide up-to-date information about your energy consumption in various forms, arming you with the tools to manage your family’s power usage.
[I:http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/extras/pics/debinzimage17.jpg]
5. Air dry your washing
Use an outdoor washing line or a drying rack instead of the clothes dryer, it’s better for your clothes and will save a big chunk of your electricity bill. Avoid heated drying racks too, they require a large amount of electricity with little enhanced drying results.
6. Switch electronics off at the wall
Ghost loading occurs when appliances such as televisions and stereos are left on standby; the same goes for AC adapters that aren’t removed from the wall. Although not in use, they are still drawing electricity which is a complete waste of money. Switch appliances and devices off at the wall or unplug them altogether.
7. Control the temperature of your hot water cylinder
By lowering the temperature of the household hot water cylinder you will save money and prevent scalding. There are thermostats available that can be programmed to lower the temperature of your cylinder while you are away; this is another effective way to save energy with your hot water.
8. Limit unnecessary vehicle use
Plan vehicle free days that involves the whole family finding other eco-friendly ways to get around; it’s fun and saves a few dollars along the way too. If you know the family need to make several car trips a day, leave the car in the driveway rather than the garage. Opening and closing the electric garage door all day long is a waste of electricity.
9. Make use of the heat you have
Dress appropriately for the weather to avoid other costly heating methods like fan and oil heaters. Make use of the sun during the day and close your drapes on dusk, this will keep the majority of the day’s heat in.
10. Landscape for energy efficiency
Trees are great to have around the house. They are visually effective and provide shady spots during the warm summer weather. The downside is trees can often block the sun, preventing natural heat from the sun entering the house. Luckily this problem is easily solved; when choosing trees, opt for deciduous varieties. These trees provide full shade during summer, but will shed through autumn allowing the sun in.
11. Involve the family
Make the family aware of the importance of greener living and energy efficiency; get them all involved in the fun! Working together as a team makes a huge difference and this is a great way to bring the family closer too. Set up competitions with small prizes to keep everyone motivated.
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