Everyone's worried about energy costs. Start planning now, so that you'll save on electricity all summer long.
Last summer, we replaced most of our light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and noticed a lower bill the first month. We found 'free with rebate' coupons for most of them.
Afternoon sun was shining directly ON the outdoor AC unit, making it run constantly. We made a shade off to the side with a small tarp attached to some homemade framework. Now it turned off for long periods. Total cost, under $20.
The sun's heat built up between the window and blinds and rose into the rooms on the south side of our house. We bought a few roll-up 'matchstick type' blinds and hung them outside windows to block the sun from HITTING the glass, and now the rooms stayed much cooler. Easy to install, just two hooks above each window. Cost was about $4 per blind on sale... but our electric bill dropped about $50 that month from the previous year.
Did you know that many of your household appliances use electricity even when they are turned OFF? Some gadgets, especially those around the computer or TV with 'brick' style transformer plugs, stay a little warm all the time. We've added a power strip to areas with things rarely used during the daytime or after bedtime. I turn off one power switch every morning or night rather than unplug everything. A plain power strip can be found for as little as $4, often 50 cents at yard sales. (Don't forget, your computer's surge protector bar also has an 'off' switch!)
On TV recently, they stated that up to 40% of some appliances energy costs are from when it's turned off but still plugged in, so imagine that amount multiplied by maybe 10 or 20 items, wow...
All of these things we're still using and our bills have gone down with each addition.
There are nicer looking, more expensive solutions to all the problem areas I've mentioned, but these are quick and inexpensive things you can do easily and expect to see results your very first electric bill.
Stay cool AND frugal everybody!
Source: These ideas were from bits and pieces of things we'd learned over the years, and used when in desperation over high bills. You just do what you have to do!
By Mary from Mountain Pine, AR
(Archived May 20, 2008)Energy Saving Tips - Summer
Tip: Energy Saving Tips - Summer
Summer brings hot dry weather. With high temperatures cooling systems run longer and expenses go up. Cooling your home is easier if it doesn't heat up. Good insulation, caulking and weather stripping, as well as overhangs, awnings and shades serve to keep the heat outside during the summertime.
Some energy saving tips are:
- Use electricity during off-peak hours to reduce the load on your utility. Off-peak hours are 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- If using the air conditioner, set the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting, 78 degrees (F) works for most people. You will save 5 to 10 percent on the operating cost of the air conditioner for every two degrees of cooling you are willing to give up.
- Set refrigerator temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees F. Keep the refrigerator stocked; it takes more energy to cool an empty fridge. Use a thermometer to verify temperatures.
- Shut off or unplug lights, computers and other electronic appliances when you're not using them.
- Lower the temperature on an electric water heater to 120 degrees F. Turn it off when leaving for extended periods of time.
- Close blinds, drapes or window coverings on the south facing windows. This reduces the amount of heat build-up in the home. Properly adjust window awnings for optimal shading.
- Use ceiling or portable fans to keep air moving.
- Save washing clothes/dishes and showers for the early morning or evening time, when it's cooler. These activities build up humidity, when air conditioners work to remove humidity.
- Use your microwave, toaster oven or grill instead of the stove or oven. They use less energy and prevent excessive heat build-up in the house.
- Wash full loads of dishes and air dry.
- When washing clothes, use warm or cold water and rinse with cold.
- Clean coils on the refrigerator, lint from dryer, the dust on lights, the debris in/on the air conditioning unit, the filter on the AC unit, the frost in your freezer. Equipment will last longer and save energy.
When purchasing new appliances for the home, choose an energy-efficient model. Look for Energy Star appliances. These appliances cost more initially, but will save both money and energy over its entire life. An appliance that is cheaper will have higher operating costs and the savings you'll accumulate from using an Energy Star appliance will be substantial. See the Energy Star Web site at www.energystar.gov for more information on home products.
Enjoy your summer and take a few simple steps to conserve energy and save money.
Source: University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension in Lancaster County Submitted by Lorene Bartos, Extension Educator
Feedback:
RE: Energy Saving Tips - Summer
I found by going to a hardware store an getting the dark plastic that goes right on the windows helps so much. you just cut to size of the window, spray with a little water an put on the plastic. if you move you can always take it off the windows an take it with you. (05/17/2004)
By jodi
Saving Energy by Landscaping
If you own your home, consider landscaping as a means to reduce energy costs. Believe it or not, positioning trees carefully around your home can save up to 25% of a typical household's energy for heating and cooling.
By Robin (12/23/2004)
By ThriftyFun
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