Five Energy Saving Suggestions # 2

Save Energy Costs and Be More Environmentally Friendly

Introduction:

Save a lot of money on energy cost by taking action to implementing energy saving ideas. It really is not difficult. These energy saving suggestions can be performed by the homeowner as a DIY project and most of them can be completed in a single weekend. These energy saving guarantees and suggestions have been proven to save energy and save the homeowner money while also being affordable.

There have been many suggestions, ideas and saving energy tips about “green living” and becoming more environmentally friendly by reducing carbon our footprint, but what really works and is also practical for the homeowner is often overlooked.    

Here are five great energy saving tips that have been proven to save energy and save money while also being affordable enough for all homeowners.  

Refrigerators and freezers:

Refrigerators and freezers run in a cycle twenty four seven without stopping. Just a little improvement makes a difference how often the cycle runs. The energy savings for is two-fold.

·       Remove the vent cover at the bottom of the unit and clean out the dust and dirt from the refrigerator coils and vent intake area.

·       Keep the refrigerator and freezer as full as possible so there is a minimum of air space. Us zip-lock bags or Tupperware bowls, store extra ice, frozen vegetables, frozen fruit, bread, pitchers of water, etc, so that there is less empty air space.

Cleaning the coils will allow the unit to run slightly less and by filling empty air space with solid objects the unit run cycle will be even less.

Heating and air conditioning systems:

The heating and cooling system in your home has an inherent amount of heat loss or cooling loss. To help reduce the amount of lost energy the following action can be taken.

·       Air leaks in forced air systems are common and should be eliminated. Follow the main duct line while the unit is running with the back of your hand to locate areas where air is escaping from the duct system and seal them with duct tape.

·       For hot water or steam systems insulate the pipes with foam insulation, especially where pipes cross near basement window and door areas.

·       Perform annual cleanings as oil and coal heating systems have the capacity to create a lot of soot. It is critical that your boiler be cleaned annually and the chimney cleaned every other year. By removing the soot from the boiler you improve the boilers capacity to absorb the heat. Keeping the chimney clean can improve air flow which allows the fuel to burn hotter and cleaner.

·       Air conditioning systems and heat pumps require yearly maintenance. Coils need to be cleaned, refrigerant charges need to be serviced and routine maintenance needs to be performed.

Water usage:

The cost of heating water can be reduced dramatically by changing you methods of how you use it. The suggestions below will help you reduce energy cost for heating water.

·       Depending upon how you obtain and heat your water savings can be obtained by learning how to better conserve your water. The energy saving benefits of reducing water usage is even greater if you have your own well and use a pump system.

·       Replace shower heads with an energy saving shower head that uses less than the standard 2.5 to 3.5 gallons of water per minute. Models are available that use only 1.5 to 1.75 gallons per minute while still providing full body coverage and pressure while showering.

·       Reducing the amount of water used while showering, the energy you use to heat your water can be dramatically reduced plus it will help eliminate your water heater or furnace from running out of enough hot water so that another person could shower right after you.

·       Locate the sink closest to your water heating source and use that sink whenever you need to wash your hands. You'll have hot water quicker and will leave less heated water standing in the pipes.

·       When leaving a dish to soak in the kitchen sink, instead of running the hot water for a moment or two to obtain hot water, just use cold water and let the plate or bowl set just a little longer than before. Unless a dish is very greasy or covered with fat, cold water will still penetrate most organic food deposits, making it just as easy to wash later.

Using ceiling fans:

·       Fans are associated with cooling, but they can better be defined as helping to move air from one place to another. This works for both cool and hot air distribution.

·       During the winter set your ceiling fan reversing switch in the upwards position and keep the speed setting on low. This will gently push any heated air off the ceiling and force it back down along the walls to the floor. Since the fan is pushing the air around the perimeter of the room, you won’t feel any breeze or draft.  

·       During the summer set your ceiling fan reversing switch in the downward position and use the low or medium speed setting. This will help keep the room from becoming stagnant and prevent hot air from building up near the ceiling. As the fan is blowing air down directly, you will feel this breeze and feel cooler as the wind from the fan helps your perspiration evaporate from your skin.

 Clothing:

·       By dressing properly you can live more comfortably while using less energy to condition the air within our homes.

·       During colder weather conditions wear socks, full length pants and long sleeve shirts in your home. It's not necessary to add multiple layers but by simply ensuring you are protecting your exposed skin from drafts in the home, you will feel more comfortable at a lower temperature setting. By lowering your thermostat by 5 to 10 degrees, 10% to 20% more energy can be saved.

·       During hotter weather conditions, especially at night, remove your socks, wear shorts and short sleeve shirts. If you exercise in the home or are sweaty from work, cool down for a few minutes and then change your clothing to something fresh and lighter. Doing so will reduce your air conditioning costs.

These energy saving guarantees will go a long way in saving you money on your energy cost. They won’t necessarily guarantee a green home but they will give you a good start. 

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