Some Simple Energy Efficient Adjustments…Around the House

Maybe you’ve been thinking about making some personal changes regarding being more conservative or saving on energy costs. After all, we have more choices today than those before us and last I checked the cost of living hasn’t dropped. Maybe we can save ourselves a little of the green stuff too.

Once you get in the swing of things, it’s pretty rewarding to know that you are making a positive impact towards your bottom line and the environment. One person at a time is all it takes. I know this is pretty basic stuff and just the tip of the iceberg as far what one can do. I’m sure there are individuals out there that still brush their teeth with the water running. So, slow down and don’t forget to floss, oh, I mean turn the lights off behind you….

The following are some things to consider…

Water

-Fill the washing machine to accommodate the amount of clothing you are washing. In other words, if it’s a small load use the small water setting.

-Consider taking a shorter shower or turning off the water when you lather up.

-Turn the water off when you brush your teeth, that’s a simple one.

-Don’t flush stuff down the toilet, throw it in the trash or recycle it.

-Run the dishwasher when it’s full. Consider using a shorter wash cycle or not using the heated drying cycle. -Make sure your toilet isn’t running, the faucets aren’t dripping and your yard watering system isn’t leaking or watering dead plants. Remember to make seasonal adjustments to your automatic programming system. If it rains, turn off the system and enjoy water compliments of Mother Nature.

Lights/Electric

-Turn off the lights when you’re not using them. No need to illuminate the whole house if you’re in the living room.

-Open blinds or drapery instead of using lights. The natural light is so soothing. -Consider installing Solatube skylights for natural light in those darker hallways or laundry rooms. http://www.solatube.com/homeowner/

-Plug your office equipment into a power bar, the ones that you can turn off with a switch that have the multiple outlets. Turn it off when you’re not using your computer equipment.

-Hang your clothing to dry, no need to fire up the dryer if you can hang dry. -Use CFL (compact fluorescent lights). Change them out a little at a time.

-Keep your refrigerator and freeze settings reasonable. No need to max them out. Oh yeah, get in and get out, don’t graze while you’re at the icebox.

-Ceiling fans can help circulate the air and help the heating and cooling systems work more efficiently.

Heating & A/C

-Clean your air/heater filter…she’ll run more efficiently.

-Keep your major appliances running efficiently by servicing them on a regular basis.

-Talk with your utility provider to find out what times are better for energy usage. Maybe they offer time of use programs that can save energy and money.

-Turn the thermostat up or down when you’re gone for the day.

-Close windows, blinds and curtains to keep heat out in the summer. Do the opposite in the winter months.

-Could you add more insulation to the house? Maybe check the window seals?

Waste/Trash

-Use paper bags instead of plastic bags, then recycle or reuse them. Purchase bags that you can use every time you shop. I’ve gotten in the habit of keeping these in my car.

-Sort your trash plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, etc…then dispose of it accordingly. There are several options within your own community or city for recycling.

-Donate household items, don’t throw them away. There are so many people that could benefit from things we don’t want anymore. This includes old cell phones, appliances and electronics.

-Re-use your Starbucks coffee cup or take your own cup to get coffee instead of using paper.

-Stop receiving paper bills, cut back on magazines and call off those junk mail companies. When you get junk mail, call the company and have them take you off of their mailing list.

-Recycle or give your used books and magazines to schools, libraries etc…

Some Facts:

-Reducing your speed to 55 mph from 70 mph could increase your fuel efficiency by as much as 23% (or get you run off the road).

-On average, American consumers drink about 28 gallons of bottled water annually per person. Where are all those bottles going?

-Using an efficient dishwasher can actually save more water than washing by hand.

Some Great Resources:

-National Geographic’s “Green Guide”: http://www.thegreenguide.com/

-Consumer Report’s “Greener Choices”: http://www.greenerchoices.org/

-Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/

-Arizona Incentives for renewables & efficiency: http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/index.cfm?re=1&ee=1&spv=0&st=0&srp=1&state=AZ