Energy saving Tips

[DavidKimball]

Here in CA we are able to switch from PG&E for gas to a competitor called Tiger. Has cut my heating bill in half.

[jamesparker100]

Great tips... using light appropriately is really need of the hour for saving this precious resource. I think these tips will really help us to use our natural resources effectively. Thanks for sharing...

[FF-Medic]

I just built a home and in doing so I installed a water heater timer that is programmable for $30-75 and ours only runs for 4 hrs out of 24 and we have hot water 24/7.

[snshijuptr]

Think of the greater energy cost not just the stuff you are directly billed for. Don't waste any consumables by planning meals, squeezing tubes, watering down creams, etc. It takes energy to produce these and you will always be charged for it in some way.

Also check out Mr. Electricity:

Saving Electricity: How to Save Electricity

[minnie1928]

Here in CA we are able to switch from PG&E for gas to a competitor called Tiger. Has cut my heating bill in half.

I live in NJ and changed my gas provider to Systrum. Since January I've saved well over $100. The funny thing is that the original company (PSE&G) still shows how much they would've charged us, so I can truly see the savings each month. I'm guessing it's a requirement that they show it, but I still think it's funny.

[carshelpingveterans]

A/C usage

Don't use the air conditioner on 75 degree days. I only have the air on on 85+ degree days. Running the air in your home or car will cost you $$$$! Use LED lights. Plus many of the new hd tv's are very energy efficient. Did you know some of the new 70inch HD tv's use less energy than a 15in crtv? So, if you are stuggling to find a good excuse to give your wife on why to get a bigger tv. Tell her that the 50in hd tv will use less energy. Ah ha!

[3in1energy]

Super Dad Energy Savings Tips

Great energy savings tips!I just want to add one more.I live in Texas where energy cost have actually gone down over the last 18mths thanks to deregulation.I represent the 4th largest retail electric provider in our state.I realize Alabama is not yet allowing competition, but for those who live in Texas,Georgia,and several others which we will be serving soon you can start the saving proccess by using a less expensive state qualified company!! The old monopoly retailers will be less inclined to reduce rates if customers remain with their service paying the high rates. Be sure of course to get properly educated ( which is what I help customers do) , and call your local Pubic utility commision or whatever your state calls it to verify info.Then once you have lowered the base cost of your energy all the savings tips payoff even more!! Thanks again

[sy1979]

I dont put my gas central heating on until its really cold, I use a checklist before considering to 'just flick the heating on' Check we are not all running around in shorts and a t shirt and complaining its cold!!
Wear some extra layers
Close doors and curtains
Use blankets and throws
Use sausage dogs in front of doors

Probably not much use this time of year but I am in Doncaster and its collllllllddddddd (and I havent put the heating on lol

[Shaabenanizer]

Replaced my 55 gallon water heater with a 20 gallon tank (after deciding that a tankless water heater would take up the same amount of energy) and discovered a lovely consequence -- the 20 gallon heater prevents roommates and guests from taking long hot showers.

I'm still trying to decide if unplugging the tv/dvd/vcr/routers during the day would be worth it. Any thoughts?

[noeal11]

yeah there are very simple methods for saving energy and reducing the power consumption...., open your windows as soon as u wake up in d morning.., switch off your lights in d morning... using solar appliances gives us to transfer heat into power by natural sunlight.....,

[mom-from-missouri]

We put in storm doors last winter. This is a "high effiency" home and doors were rated such to not require them, but I wanted them for screen use. Well, we also found they helped on the fuel bill as well, esp on the north side of the house.

Also, I insulated around all the light switches and outlets, starting with the exterior walls. I did the inside walls also, as they draw up cold from our basement which we don't heat or cool, yet it stays at 58 during the winter with no heat, and a cool 72 in the summer. (we can heat down stairs, we just opt not too to save $$)

If you can't afford insulated drapes, the vinyl table clothes with flannel on the backside are great and just $1 at the dollar store. Just slit the top and weave through a tension rod to hold in place in the windows--works to block out sun also. Keep your regular curtains up and it stays well hidden.

I charge my cell phone and laptop when driving. Its 15 min one way to our small town, or 38 minutes to the city--enough of a drive to charge them and save me from running the charges at home.

I use the clothes line when possible.

We often gather in the same room. We homeschool, so the kids will work at the kitchen table while I cook, or in the basement classroom if I am sewing downstairs. It keeps the lights off in rooms we don't need to use.

I have timers on some of the lights that the family forgets to turn off--such as the garage and bathrooms and closets. After 4 minutes they switch off.

I put the newer shower heads that conserve water on the showers. It saves from having to heat as much water.

We have now replaced our washer, dry and dishwasher with new models. Washer is a front loader. All are energy star, and all 3 qualified for rebates from the electric company and from the state of MO. In fact, my rebates all added up to $375 which is going towards replacing our 13 year old stove this fall. All our freezers and ref are also energy star rated, and are kept full to ensure less space to cool. (Just by replacing the dishwasher and clothes washer, our water bill went from $120 to $30 a month, and our electric dropped around $45 a month)

We have night lights that kick on when it gets dark. Pennies a year to operate, but when you get up during the night it saves turning on bathroom, bedroom and hall lights.

We use rechargeable batteries. One of our rechargers is solar operated, as are several caculators in the house.

We have planted some more trees closer to the house that will shade it and also be a guard against the north and east winds during the winter.

I don't run the garbage disposal--instead I either compost it or feed it to the chickens.

[tdls17]

Caulk all access outdoor access spots, around the windows and doors.

[tdls17]

We have the option of having 2 water meters hooked up. The 1 meter is used just for watering the grass - no bill, just the cost of initially setting up the meter. We broke even in 4 years; lived in your home for 12 years to date.

Denise
Strategies To Save Money, Lowering Energy Costs