Great Green Idea: Green Energy: Make Realistic Goals To Reduce Electricity Consumption

Make Realistic Goals To Reduce Electricity Consumption

The best way to start reducing your electricity consumption is to study your current bill. Then look at your lifestyle and see how you can reduce consumption by changing your usage patterns.

Identify appliances that can be unplugged. Make a list of appliances that use electricity. After compiling your list, decide whether you can pull the cords out of the wall when you are not using them. Leave the refrigerator and the stove plugged into the wall, of course. However, if you are not using the microwave, TV, stereo, toasters, or hair dryers unplug it until you are ready to use it again. Then plug it in again when you need it.

Change light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). CFLs use up to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs.

Climate Control. Consider buying a programmable thermostat. Your air conditioner thermostat should be set to 25.5Â°C (78Â°F), higher if comfort permits. The air conditioner should be turned off when you are not home, or you can program the thermostat to turn on just before you get home. Studies show that this alone can save as much as 20% to 30% on your heating or cooling cost.

Use ceiling fans. To allow higher summertime thermostat settings, use ceiling fans. They promote air circulation, and moving air tends to feel cooler. The effect is equivalent to lowering the air temperature by about four degrees (F; two degrees C), while using less energy than air conditioners use.

Lower your furnace thermostat by 1 degree. During the winter months this will save you as much as 3% of its energy consumption. Recommended thermostat settings are 21Â°C (70Â°F) when you're home relaxing, 18Â°C (65Â°F) when you're sleeping, and 15 Â°C (59 Â°F) when you're away from your home for an extended period of time.

Reduce your use of hot water. Wait until the dishwasher is full before you run it. When buying a new one, make sure there is a no-heat or energy-saving drying cycle. If your dishwasher doesn't have that feature, open the dishwasher door when the wash cycle is complete and let the dishes air-dry.

Use energy-efficient showerhead. Studies show that a typical 5-minute shower with an energy-efficient showerhead uses less than half the hot water required for a bath that uses about 75 liters of hot water.

Install faucet aerators. When installed on your sink faucets, aerators will reduce water flow. By mixing air into the water flow, aerators can reduce water consumption by 25-50% per tap.

Energy Efficient Appliances. Remember, the lower the kWh rating, the better the efficiency. If your dishwasher or washing machine is 20 years old, you may wish to consider buying a new one. Use the Energy Guide label to help you shop smart.

Check your local utility's website. Most utility companies offer tips on energy conservation (peak and non-peak hours) or incentives for conserving.

Many of the energy-saving tips above will take just a change of habit. Others will require a little bit of work and or a purchase. Most important, all members of the household should be aware that you are trying to reduce your electricity consumption and that everyone needs to play a part on this endeavor.