Rare News Desk
1. Skip the CFL bulbs and go straight to the LEDs
If you haven’t yet embraced CFLs because of complaints you have heard, then good news: Now is the time to go straight to LEDs! LEDs have dropped significantly in price and are better than ever. Some can last up to 20+ years. They don’t contain mercury and are 95% recyclable. Use this Energy Star calculator to find out how much they could save you. (Source: Fresh Energy)
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2. Get a programmable thermostat
There are plenty of options from basic to fancy and you can see real-time data on your phone. A lot of utilities have rebates available, so check before you purchase. On average, if you turn the thermostat down by one degree Fahrenheit for 8 hours every night, you’ll use about 1% less energy. So lowering it 5 degrees overnight saves 5%. (Source: Department of Energy)
3. Wrap your water heater with an insulation blanket
Expect a savings of around $120 annually on your energy bill if you do this. You might be able to get a proper blanket for free or at a discount. Check with your utility or visit DSIREUSA.org for a list of rebates. (Source: Go Green, Save Green)
4. Get an air-conditioning tune-up each year
Just a mere 10% loss in freon can cause a 25% increase in cooling costs. Save yourself the bill shock later on and plan on getting a tune-up each spring. Once the temperature hits 70 degrees, be sure to call your HVAC service to schedule. (Source: My HVAC guy)
5. Don’t run the air-conditioning in the morning and try a fan at night
Turns out even if you are at home you really don’t need the air-conditioning in the morning. Just try it and see what you think. I did this last summer and experienced 66% savings on my electric bill. (Source: How I saved 66% on my electric during the summer)
6. Wash laundry in cold water
Not only will it save about $80 a year in energy costs it will extend the life of your clothes. While you’re at it don’t wash clothes every time you wear them. It will extend their life and if you didn’t do anything to dirty them, then no need to wash. (Source: Go Green, Save Green)
7. Plant a shade plant next to your air-conditioner
It doesn’t have to be a shade tree, but any plant that provides shade from the sun will help make your air-conditioner run more efficiently. Depending on your selection and where you live you can save up to 35% on operating costs. (Source: Arbor Day Foundation)
8. Energy Star should be your best friend
Nothing is better when it comes to purchasing anything that uses electricity, but especially appliances. Many utilities are offering rebates if you purchase Energy Star rated appliances. Also, if you are purchasing a new refrigerator ask if there is a rebate program for your old one. So you could get money for the old and the new. [And no, don’t turn the old one into a beer fridge ;0)] One more option to save additional cash? Many states are offering tax-free Energy Star purchase weekends. Check your state or local utility to see if you can save the sales tax too. (Source: Energy Star)
9. Unplug it!
The cheapest kilowatt is the one you never use. So turn it off. Turn lights off when not in the room. Put lights and appliances on timers. Beware of phantom loads. All appliances pull a small amount even when they are off. So unplug kitchen appliances that you don’t use regularly and of course think about your TVs, computers, game consoles, and all the other things that are off (but not really!) when you are gone. They can use up to 75% of the energy load when they are off. People talk about strips, but then you have to remember to turn them off. That’s why I prefer those programmable timers. Taking these steps can save up to $120 a year. (Source: EPA)
10. Go solar!
No, this is not what you think. There are plenty of ways to go solar without investing in a rooftop system. Get a solar oven … Ed Begley Jr. (above) has been using one for years and I have used one too. Think about cooking one meal a week with the sun. Treat the oven like a crock pot and leave your meal in the oven while you are at work. Then come home to a hot meal! You could also get a high quality solar flashlight, cell phone charger, or a myriad of other small appliances that can be powered by the sun. Also consider a sky light and have natural lighting instead electric lighting. There are lots of options available. The savings will be small but just remember the more you do the more you save.
