Americans energy consumption per capita in 2009 dipped to its lowest level in 41 years, but we still use twice as much energy as the average European and more energy than people in most other countries.
While this may be, there are simple ways for homeowners to save energy while lowering their utility bills.
According to Greener Choices, a Web-based initiative to inform, engage and empower consumers about environmentally-friendly products and practices, the following practices can save homeowners a bundle.
1. Fix leaky ducts - Pay a qualified heating and cooling professional to seal and insulate both the heating and cooling ducts that run through your home, especially in unconditioned spaces. By fixing leaky ducts, you can save an average of $400 a year.
2. Program your thermostat - You can trim up to 20% from your heating and cooling bills by adjusting the inside temperature of your home between 5-10 degrees at night or when you're not home. A programmable thermostat makes adjusting the temperature even easier since it will make the setbacks for you. Installing a programmable thermostat will save you around $200 a year.
3. Pay attention to driving habits - Obeying speed limits and avoiding hard acceleration and braking will add several miles per gallon to the fuel efficiency of your midsized car. By paying more attention to your driving habits, you can save around $200 a year.
4. Tame hidden energy use - Between 5-10% of residential electricity goes to devices that draw power when they're off or in standby mode. Video games are a major offender, so be sure to turn off gaming systems when they are not being used. This will save you about $125 a year.
5. Stop pre-rinsing - Washing dishes before you put them in the dishwasher wastes up to 6,500 gallons of water per year, plus the cost to heat that water. Tests have proven that pre-rinsing dishes before sticking them in the dishwasher is unnecessary, and by eliminating this practice, homeowners can save around $75 a year.
6. Wash in cold water - Washing your clothes in cold water will save you an average of $60 a year. Using a laundry detergent that is specially made for cold water will get your clothes clean.
7. Adjust modes - Manufacturers often ship televisions in "retail mode" to ensure the best picture quality under bright showroom lights. By switching to the home mode, which is fine for most types of viewing, homeowners can save $30-$60 a year. For more information, visit www.greenerchoices.org
Comments (5)Subscribe to CommentsComment