Friday, January 23, 2009

Tips on Reducing Electricity

Here are some green electricity tips that I have compiled from various sources:

First you may want to check out your Carbon Footprint. There are some easy and cheap things you can do right away to save money and even see a difference. Once you get your carbon footprint, then start on this list and the list that it provides for you. Once you accomplish some items, check them off and you will see the improvement right away on your saved profile of your carbon footprint.
  1. Replace all your light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or with the newest ones light emitting diodes (LEDs).
  2. Turn off your appliances and lights when you are not going to be utilizing them within the next 10 minutes.
  3. Eliminate any electronics that are in "sleep mode". They are still pulling a current even when they are plugged in and in standby mode. You may even pull the cord on appliances that do not need to be plugged when not in use. If it's plugged and turned off, there is still electricity running through it.
  4. Utilizing a flat screen monitor with your computer will use 1/3 the energy of the old CRT monitor.
  5. Clothes driers eat up a lot of electricity, so hanging your clothes outside is a good way to energy saver.
  6. In the winter months, try grabbing another layer of clothing before turning up the heater.
  7. Seal your home in the winter months, by covering windows with plastic, sealing doors with door snakes, and by insulating your hot water tank.
  8. The more people you have over in the winter, the warmer your place gets and you can turn down the heater by a notch or two, and let the body heat do the trick.
  9. Make sure there is a little room around your refrigerator so that it's heat can escape, and not make it work so hard. Also make sure light fixtures are not near anything that needs to be cooler, like the refrigerator, freezer, fans, or air conditioners. They produce heat, and can these items to work overtime.
  10. Contact your local electric company to see what alternative power supplies they offer.

No comments:

Post a Comment