We are always
looking for ways to conserve energy and lower utility costs in our homes. Between
computers, lighting, appliances, charging units, pools, hot water heaters, and heating & air
conditioning units homes can require a high amount of energy to function.
This can sometimes lead to steep energy bills from the electric company and a
significant environmental footprint. Energy saving technology and techniques
can certainly help curb the impact, helping to lead to a less expensive, greener, and more energy efficient home. However, if
you start following these simple tips in your home you can immediately start saving
energy and lower those electric bills.
Easy Energy Saving Ideas For Your Home
1. Switch your refrigerator’s power saver
to "ON," if available
2. Set the refrigerator temperature to 34-37
degrees and freezer temperature to 0-5 degrees
3. Unplug unused refrigerators or freezers
4. Use
Pan covers when cooking on the stove
5. If you are heating water, don’t start
with hot water from tap; start with cold water
6. Remember to use the kitchen exhaust fan when
cooking
7. Rinse dirty dishes with cold water before
putting them into the dishwasher
8. Only run dishwasher when it's fully loaded
9. Replace light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs
10. Use outdoor security lights with a
photocell and/or a motion sensor
11. Set thermostats to 76° in summer, 68° in
winter
12. Run ceiling paddle fans on low or medium
and ensure they are blowing down in summer and blowing upwards in winter
13. Change heating and cooling unit filters at least quarterly and make sure they
are facing in the correct direction (Replace window filters more frequently)
14. When heating or cooling, keep windows
locked because they seal better
15. Close fireplace damper when not burning
a fire
16. Close shades and drapes during day to
help keep heat out during summer and cold out in the winter
17. Ensure attic access door closes tightly
and that the attic door is insulated
18. Do not close off unused rooms that are air
conditioned/heated by forced-air systems
19. Do not close air registers/vents and ensure
that they are not blocked by furniture, drapes or rugs
20. Ensure return air grilles are not blocked by
furniture, drapes, or rugs
21. Ensure windows and doors are properly
weather-stripped
22. Minimize use of electric space heaters
as they cost $0.10 to $0.15 per hour to operate
23. When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss
by opening damper in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the
nearest window slightly
24. Ensure your outdoor air conditioning unit’s coils are kept clean and
free of debris
25. Keep your garage door down. A warmer garage
in the winter and cooler garage in the summer will save energy
26. Set water heater temperature no higher than
120° F
27. Limit shower length to 10 minutes or less and
use low-flow shower heads
28. Wash clothes in cold water and try to
only wash full loads
29. Don’t let water run while you are shaving or
brushing teeth
30. Clean dryer lint trap before each load and
ensure the outdoor dryer exhaust door closes when unit is off
31. Turn computers and monitors off when not used
32. Turn large-screen TV’s and cable boxes off
completely when not in use
33. Turn off pool pump and/or heater when not
needed or on vacation
34. Turn chargers off and ensure they are not
connected to the wall outlet when not being used
35. Ensure all new appliances you purchase are
Energy Star-approved
By making small
changes to the way your home consumes energy, you may notice lower electric
bills overall. Being mindful of your energy use will lead to a more energy
efficient home.
Starion Energy is a licensed electricity and
gas supplier in the deregulated energy market since Sept. 2009. Energy
deregulation gives consumers the choice of an alternative electric supplier and
determines the rates and terms at which they purchase electric generation
services. Starion services markets in CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OH,
& PA. Starion is strategically positioned for continued growth in new
markets for years to come. For more
information visit http://www.starionenergy.com