Anne At Green Community asked:
So much of what you do each day depends on energy - usually electricity - that it seems impossible to change it. And any change that you can make is a drop in the ocean compared to what needs to be done. However, as history has shown us time and again, individuals taking action can make a big difference. The small steps you take will collectively add up to giant strides in the race to slow global warming and save our planet.
Saving Energy without spending money
There are lots of things you can do that won’t cost you anything - in fact they’ll save you money!
- Pull the Plug
Leaving electrical appliances plugged in when they are not in use can add up to about 30% of your household energy bill. ‘Standby’ mode still draws energy, as do the clocks on microwaves, ovens and hi-fis. Pull the plug on them!
- Turn the heat down
Turn the central heating down when you leave for work, and turn it up again when you get home. That way you’re not heating an empty house all day.
Turn the water heating system down too - you don’t really need it that hot, otherwise why would you have to use cold water in the bath or shower?
- Banish the Drafts
Check your windows and doors, cornices and ceilings for any drafts sending air into your house. Even sockets not fitted properly can let air in. Sealing these areas can make a huge difference to your heating and cooling bills.
- Make the pan fit
Choose the pot or pan that fits the hob ring on your stove best. Too small, and you’re paying to heat the air around it.
- Clean up
Dirt and dust interfere with the efficiency of appliances, so keep them clean.
Saving energy with a little investment
There are many devices available that can help you conserve energy, and the investment is paid off in reduced energy bills.
- Get a blanket
An insulation blanket on your water heating tank helps maintain the temperature so it doesn’t have to heat up as often.
When you’re feeling cold, grab a blanket before you switch a heater on.
- Change the light
CFL light bulbs are more expensive initially, but their long life and energy saving properties make it worhtwhile to fit them throughout the house.
- Feel the motion
Motion sensors automatically switch lights on when they sense movement, and switch the lights off again after a set time. Great for outside lights, they can also be installed inside in areas where you don’t spend a lot of time, like the laundry room, pantry, entrance or passage.
- Alternative energy sources are the way to go
Solar green energy, electromagnetic power and wind power can be used at home to replace some or all of your current energy supply. Many of these laternatives can be built and installed by you, as the materials used are available at hardwares and building supply stores. It’s a lot cheaper to do it yourself, and you won’t depend on the power company so much.
There are many ways to save energy, and few of them require much effort. You will save on your power bills, while helping to save the planet. What could be better than that?
So much of what you do each day depends on energy - usually electricity - that it seems impossible to change it. And any change that you can make is a drop in the ocean compared to what needs to be done. However, as history has shown us time and again, individuals taking action can make a big difference. The small steps you take will collectively add up to giant strides in the race to slow global warming and save our planet.
Saving Energy without spending money
There are lots of things you can do that won’t cost you anything - in fact they’ll save you money!
- Pull the Plug
Leaving electrical appliances plugged in when they are not in use can add up to about 30% of your household energy bill. ‘Standby’ mode still draws energy, as do the clocks on microwaves, ovens and hi-fis. Pull the plug on them!
- Turn the heat down
Turn the central heating down when you leave for work, and turn it up again when you get home. That way you’re not heating an empty house all day.
Turn the water heating system down too - you don’t really need it that hot, otherwise why would you have to use cold water in the bath or shower?
- Banish the Drafts
Check your windows and doors, cornices and ceilings for any drafts sending air into your house. Even sockets not fitted properly can let air in. Sealing these areas can make a huge difference to your heating and cooling bills.
- Make the pan fit
Choose the pot or pan that fits the hob ring on your stove best. Too small, and you’re paying to heat the air around it.
- Clean up
Dirt and dust interfere with the efficiency of appliances, so keep them clean.
Saving energy with a little investment
There are many devices available that can help you conserve energy, and the investment is paid off in reduced energy bills.
- Get a blanket
An insulation blanket on your water heating tank helps maintain the temperature so it doesn’t have to heat up as often.
When you’re feeling cold, grab a blanket before you switch a heater on.
- Change the light
CFL light bulbs are more expensive initially, but their long life and energy saving properties make it worhtwhile to fit them throughout the house.
- Feel the motion
Motion sensors automatically switch lights on when they sense movement, and switch the lights off again after a set time. Great for outside lights, they can also be installed inside in areas where you don’t spend a lot of time, like the laundry room, pantry, entrance or passage.
- Alternative energy sources are the way to go
Solar green energy, electromagnetic power and wind power can be used at home to replace some or all of your current energy supply. Many of these laternatives can be built and installed by you, as the materials used are available at hardwares and building supply stores. It’s a lot cheaper to do it yourself, and you won’t depend on the power company so much.
There are many ways to save energy, and few of them require much effort. You will save on your power bills, while helping to save the planet. What could be better than that?
