Energy Reduction Ideas

Save energy and save money. By reducing the amount of energy your household demands and taking simple steps to reduce your consumption you will be able to achieve lower energy costs while minimizing negative environmental impacts. It is estimated that the typical American household wastes approximately 50% of the energy it consumes each year. These losses are primarily due to thermal and electrical sources and can be curbed by taking energy reduction steps.

By making minor changes in your household habits you can greatly reduce your energy consumption in low-cost or no-cost ways. Over the long haul simple lifestyle changes can save you thousands of dollars in energy costs. Installing and properly using a programmable thermostat is an easy way to regulate your energy use. A programmable thermostat allows you to heat and cool your home according to your schedule, eliminating high-cost heat and air conditioning during the hours your home is unoccupied or while you sleep. By lowering the heat a few degrees in the winter and raising it a few degrees in the summer you will add to your overall savings.

Lighting represents a significant portion of your monthly energy bill. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) will help you not only achieve energy reduction but save you the expense of replacing light bulbs often. CFL bulbs require far less energy to operate and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Using task lighting instead of illuminating an entire room and being vigilant about turning off lights that are not in use will enhance your energy reduction efforts and save money.

Appliances demand a lot of electricity so taking measures to use them wisely and maintain them properly will save money and extend their life. Reduce the amount of energy required by your dishwasher by only running full loads and air drying dishes rather than using the machine’s drying cycle. Use your dishwashers “light wash” cycle or “energy saving” cycle for all but the dirtiest loads. If you are replacing your existing dishwasher look for one that has an internal heating source which heats water only once it enters the basin and choose one that has the Energy Star label. Appliances earning this designation are far more energy efficient.

Energy reduction can also be accomplished by plugging home electronics into power strips and turning off the power strip when the devices are not in use. Some digital electronic devices and components are particularly sensitive to inconsistent power sources so check with the manufacturer before using this technique for high definition televisions and other sophisticated products. Computers and computer monitors should be turned off and unplugged when not in use. Even with the power turned off, computers and other devices consume energy.

Reducing the temperature of your hot water heater will make a difference in energy reduction. Lowering the thermostat to 120 degrees is sufficient for sanitary purposes and is a comfortable temperature for bathing and washing dishes. Choose showering over bathing and reduce your shower time by two minutes to save water, energy and money. Pumping even cold water into your home requires energy so be aware of turning the tap off while brushing your teeth or shaving.