OK, now assuming you’ve already downloaded the free guide we offer on the right side of this page, we’re going to add a few additional low-cost steps to that information here for those that have asked for tips in a list form. All these tips actually work, and save a measurable amount of resources, be it in the realm of electricity, water, or heat. They may not all apply to your situation, but if you scan the list (or better yet, print it out) you will find some you can start today.
We all share a responsibility to reduce our energy use. Its just the right thing to do for all kinds of reasons I won’t get into here. If you are reading this, you already have your reasons. So here you go. We’ll update this frequently as we find more relevant practices.
Electricity:
- Avoid phantom loads by using smart strips, or products like Bye Bye Standby
- If you replace any appliances, make sure they are Energy Star qualified. (Most Efficient)
- Install CFL bulbs anywhere you use lights, especially the lights you use most.
- Move from any electrical heat to gas or solar heat (Immediately cheaper)
Heating:
- Do your own home energy audit with a program like this one. It will show you where You can save the most.
- Check the insulation in your attic. Really. Go up there today and see how deep it is. It should be around 18″ deep all around and evenly covered. The standard in the U.S. is an R-38 to R-60. (Donwload our Free Guid on the right side of the page to get details on how).
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees. (have you done it yet?… Really?)
- Install programmable thermostats and actually PROGRAM them for night and daytime settings
- If you have a tank-style hot water heater that’s more than 8 years old, put an insulating jacket on it.
- Wash clothes in Cold water only. 90% of the energy in washing clothes is from Heating the water. Clothes get just about as clean in cold as they do in hot. Think about it. If you can’t adjust that one thing, what chance have we got for really saving energy?
- Install low-flow shower heads and take short (5 minute) showers, saving not only heat but water as well
- If you have a standard dryer vent, it’s probably leaking heat all winter for you. Cap it with one of these.
- For at least 7 months of the year, use a clothes line and no dryer