Let's Talk Energy Savings


No matter where you live these days, everyone is talking Green Energy, saving the environment, or solar power.  The environment is a very serious matter because without it, we will all die off quickly, therefore, let's work together to not only save it, but also save money at the same time.

Let's discuss the most painful of all subjects within the sustainability speak - saving energy. That means light bulbs, turning them off when not in the room. It also means saving on your heating and air conditioning bills throughout the year.

First let's start with your electric bill. You can save a ton of money by doing a few simple things. Look at all the appliances in your home, kitchen appliances, televisions, computers, clock radio, washer and dryer, etc. Decide which items are plugged in all the time, but rarely used. Televisions are a large part of your electric bill, followed by computers. Did you know that a mainframe computer system for say, gaming, pulls more power than your refrigerator does every day, if left on all the time. When you're not using it, turn it off. Same goes for the cable remote box. Best thing to do is get a power strip, plug in all your electronic appliances, but when not using it, click the surge protectors off button. You'll save over $40 per month on your electric bill. Same idea goes for all your other non-essential appliances such as coffee makers, toaster ovens, microwaves, etc. There is no reason why you can't reprogram that coffee maker every night when you set it up for the morning. After filling up your thermos, or coffee mug, unplug the coffee maker. You'll start to see the savings in your next electric bill.

If you need a clock in every room, consider buying battery operated clocks, then use rechargeable batteries. Disconnect your digital clock by your bedside, and replace it with a wind up clock. That alone will save you money. Buy extra rechargeable batteries to have on hand for when the others need to be charged. This way you'll always be on time for work, or that important appointment.

Your grandparents and great-grandparents didn't have washer and dryers in their day, instead they washed clothes by hand, and hung them up to dry. Consider not using the dryer during the summer months, and install a clothesline either outside for sheets and towels, or in your laundry room area for everything else. Within 24 hours, your clothes will be dry. If you need to fluff them up, throw them in the dryer for 15 minutes. How about using an iron to press your clothes instead. Do what I do - throw on an audiobook while doing the laundry, it makes the job a lot more fun. In the winter use the dryer to help heat up that part of the house by disconnecting the dryer vent hose, slip an old nylon stocking over the end and use the heat from the dryer to warm the area.

Light bulbs are a sore subject with me these days. These new light bulbs are not only expensive, they don't give you any real light. My suggestion would be to buy the old light bulbs that give off a lot of light, and install them in the areas which you read, work on the computer, or do crafts. All other energy saving light bulbs can be installed where you don't care about real light. This will save you a ton of money, plus save your eyes.

If you should have any other ideas to help save the electric bill, please let me know by making a comment below. 

Comments