Here are 10 tips to help you save energy (and money too!):
Wash your clothes in cold water: Hot water heating accounts for about 90% of the energy your washing machine uses to wash clothes – only 10% goes to electricity used by the wash motor itself! Plus, washing your clothes in cold water is better for clothes and reduces your electric bills.
Run full loads when using your dishwasher or washing machine: This will help make the most of the energy, water, and detergent the machines use.
Use natural light: Open up your blinds, shades, and drapes to let the sun in to light up a room instead of turning on a light.
During warmer months, close blinds, shades, and drapes: Do so on the sunny side of your home to help keep your home’s temperature cooler and reduce the work for your AC. Open shades during cooler months to let the sun warm your home.
Switch off the lights: This may seem like a no-brainer, but remembering to switch off lights when not in use or when you leave a room can make a huge difference on your energy bill and overall energy use!
Adjust your thermostat: Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer (78° F) and a few degrees lower in the winter (68° F). Every degree of extra heating or cooling will increase energy usage 6-8%. Setting your thermostat to a lower temperature than normal will not cool your home faster.
Don’t leave your phone plugged in overnight: Your phone only takes a couple of hours to charge. Unplug chargers when the battery is fully charged or when the chargers are not in use.
Unplug unused electronics: Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. Unplug electronics or use a power strip. Use the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.
Turn off the oven a few minutes before cooking time runs out: Your food will continue to cook using the residual heat without using the extra electricity.
Don’t peek in the oven while cooking/baking: Every time you peek, the temperature can drop as much as 25° F, making your oven use more energy to bring the temperature back up. If you need to check on a dish, use the oven window instead.
Xx,
Mer