Energy Conservation Starts In The Home - written by Brent Crouch

Energy conservation is a great way to save money on your utilities. Taking steps to make sure your home is efficiently using the energy you pay for is also good for the environment, because you're using fewer resources to accomplish the same goals. Conservation ensures that the resources and fuel we enjoy today will be there for future generations. Before investing in expensive solar panel kits and new appliances, take stock of your current energy use and make small changes, like the ones below, that can lead to energy conservation without high investment.

Thermostat

Want to see an immediate reduction in your bill? Start with your heating and cooling system. By simply installing a programmable thermostat, you can keep your costs at a minimum. It will help to control the temperature in your home, so that you don't use more than you need. You'll need to change the temperature on your hot water heater as well. Set it to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and you'll save energy.

CFLs

You should replace all of the standard light bulbs in your home with those that are more efficient. If you install compact fluorescent lights you will cut back a significant amount of energy your home consumes each year and those savings will be passed along to you in a lower utility bill. You will also reap rewards if you seek out other Energy Star Label appliances and devices to fill your home with as your older ones need replacements.

Washing

When possible, air dry dishes and only run the dishwasher when it's full and at off-peak hours for the grid, like after 9 at night and before 6 in the morning or any time on the weekend. The same advice holds true for the washing machine. Consider drying racks or a clothes line for some items, wash full loads on cold water, and watch the time of day you run the unit.

Turn off Devices

Do your best to completely turn off the devices and electrics in your home, such as the computer and related items such as the scanner or printer. Should you need to leave the main computer running you should send it into a sleep or idle mode and turn off what related devices you can. Many of the electrical devices in your home consume energy even when not in use. This is the case for cell phone chargers, TVs, DVDs, and related items. If it is plugged in it could be sucking energy and even running in an idle or sleeper mode. Unplug what you can when it is not in use and make sure the rest are running in idle mode.

Insulation

Better quality insulation is a powerful energy saver. There are many types available, including spray-on foam. Don't neglect the areas around doors and windows in addition to insulating the attic. Your weather stripping may be old or it may be time to look at double-pane windows. All of these changes not only lower electrical bills, but they have a sound-dampening effect inside the house, a real plus as noise pollution grows daily in our environment.

Kitchen

Heat small food portions and leftovers in the toaster or microwave rather than the oven, because the oven uses a lot more electricity to heat up and maintain its proper temperature. Don't open the door to oven until your food is done to keep heat from escaping.

Refrigerator

If you are replacing your older fridge and freezer you will want to buy ones that are with an Energy Star Label. Also you can opt for a freezer that opens from the top rather than from the front as the former will help keep more cold air inside when it is opened. Take into account how many people are in your home and give each person about 4.5 cubic feet of freezer space; too big of a freezer is a waste of energy. Then when you are placing food into your fridge allow for plenty of air flow. If it is crammed too tight it will not operate as effectively. When it comes to the temperature settings put the freezer at 5 degree Fahrenheit and the fridge at 40 degree Fahrenheit.

Conclusion

Any home energy conservation program should start with the most easily-modified behaviors and settings. The installation of solar power or wind power systems are for advanced users who have already seen the advantages of energy savings. Start small and monitor the results to track real progress. Most people find that when they have saved a little, the motivation to then save a lot soon becomes a top priority.