Steps Towards Saving Power

In today’s plugged-in world the average American household owns 23 consumer electronic devices including appliances, televisions, computers, gaming systems and other gadgets. Despite an increased awareness of the environmental impact of electricity usage and the huge gains made in energy efficiency, our demand for power is on the rise. With so many modern conveniences at our disposal it is more important than ever to make saving power a top priority.

Taking steps towards saving power does not require a dramatic lifestyle change and can significantly impact the health of the planet and the typical household budget. Using power sources wisely can help you take control of your bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Since electricity is the primary energy source for most of our household systems, our appliances and devices evaluating electricity use will net the greatest saving.

Taking the time to analyze your home from top to bottom is the way to start saving power. Begin in the attic by weather stripping your attic door or hatch to prevent air from leaking in and out. Install additional insulation if necessary and make sure that vents that allow heat buildup to be released are sufficiently large enough to be optimally efficient.

By turning down the thermostat in the winter and upping the A/C by a few degrees in the summer, you will save significant heating and cooling costs and will soon adjust to the new normal temperature. In winter months when the air is dry, run a humidifier in each bedroom. The power used to run a small humidifier will reduce your heating bills as the moist air will be more comfortable at t lower temperature. Use task lighting and reading lamps rather than illuminating an entire room and replace incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency light bulbs which generate more light and less heat.

Audit the kitchen and bathrooms for big savings on your power bill. Energy Star appliances meet the highest standards of efficiency so consider those when shopping for new appliances. Use common sense when operating appliances that demand a lot of power. Some power saving tips are to run only full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer, limit the use of the clothes dryer, and turn off the water while brushing teeth, shaving and hand-washing dishes. Reducing your shower by two minutes and installing a low-flow showerhead will also help with water and power conservation. Power savings can be significant in kitchens and bathrooms just by turning off the lights when not in use. As the busiest rooms in the house, they typically use the most energy.

Your home’s heating and air conditioning systems and hot water heater offer plenty of opportunity for saving power. Replace furnace filters monthly to improve efficiency. You can easily insulate your hot water heater and water pipes with an inexpensive kit from the local hardware store. Reduce your water temperature to 120 degrees and use only cold water for clothes washing.

Saving power at home is easy to accomplish with a few minor adjustments to your typical routine. These easy to implement habits will help you cut down on your carbon footprint and save money every month.