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Every kilowatt counts
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Posted on Dec 10 2008
[B]Laundry [/B]
Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water. 85-90% of the energy used is for hot water. Also, run full dryer loads, use the moisture sensing setting and clean the lint filter after every load. A clogged filter increases energy use.
One time cost to implement: $0
Annual savings: $20-$50
[B]Bathroom [/B]Install a low flow showerhead. It restricts water flow, which reduces the amount of energy needed for hot water heating and pumping hot water to the bathroom.
One time cost to implement: $10-$20
Annual Savings: $40-$70
[B]Kitchen[/B]Set the temperature of your refrigerator at about 3 C or 37F and the freezer at -18 or 0F. A colder setting only wastes electricity.
One time cost to implement: $0
Annual Savings: $20-$50
Using a microwave oven can save up to 75% in energy costs compared to an oven or stove.
One time cost to implement: $150
Annual Savings: $50-$100
[B]Tips for the “Green Champion” type[/B]If you’re already a champion at energy conservation, here are more ways to practice electricity conservation you may not have thought of:
-Make sure that bulbs, fixtures, lenses, lamps and reflective surfaces are cleaned regularly. By removing grease, dust and other dirt, you can increase the output of your lights.
-Fight phantom power. Even though you may have turned off your electronics, those tiny glowing lights are the tip-off that the device is still using electricity. You can guard against phantom power by plugging your electronics into a power bar – just flip the switch on the power bar and you can be sure the power is off.
-Defrost and clean your freezer annually or when the ice build up on the insides of the unit is more than 1/4 inch. Also, regularly vacuum up the dust on the back and underneath your freezer.
-Clean or replace your air conditioning filter monthly. Dirty filters can restrict air flow and reduce your system’s efficiency. Also, service your air system annually.
[I]Source: www.everykilowattcounts.com[/I]
