Today’s savings tips are about ways to save electricity. With prices rising on so many goods and services in 2011, consumers may feel like they do not have any control over what they spend money on anymore. This is simply not true.
From coupons to cheap cell phone phone plans, there are many options for the typical family or individual looking to save money this month. Let’s look now at ways to save electricity costs.
Ways to Save Electricity – Tip #1
Daylighting. This is the process of using windows and skylights to allow as much natural daylight as possible into a room. This reduces the need for artificial lighting.
The next time you reach for the light switch, see if you can open curtains or blinds to allow natural light to come in.
Newer, more energy efficient windows will allow sunlight in while keeping heat out in the summer. If the windows are older, those that face south will bring in the most sunlight in winter but receive indirect light in the summer.
Ways to Save Electricity – Tip #2
Unplug. Get in the habit of unplugging appliances or electronic devices when they are not being used as one of the ways to save electricity.
Even when not in use, many devices like DVD players and game consoles still use electricity. While it can be a pain to unplug them every night, new advanced power strips make the process much easier.
These power strips look like normal ones, but will stop electricity flowing to other devices each time a designated device, such as the TV, is turned off. Most also have one or two plugs for devices that should remain powered up at all times.
Look for something called a ‘Smart Strip’ at Home Depot or Wal-Mart. The cost is not much different than traditional power strips but they will definitely save electricity over time.
Ways to Save Electricity – Tip #3
Change the bulbs – Standard incandescent light bulbs are so inefficient about 90 percent of the energy they use goes to heat, not lighting. One of the ways to save on electricity is to switch to newer, more efficient light bulbs.
Halogen incandescent bulbs provide 25 percent savings, while compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are said to be 75 percent more efficient. (But, CFLs also contain trace amounts of mercury…so I don’t really prefer this option in my home.)
Ways to Save Electricity
Even better, light emitting diode (LED) bulbs give savings of 75 percent to 80 percent savings. These newer bulbs also last longer than traditional ones, providing even more savings.
While their purchase costs are usually higher, many utilities are offering rebate programs to offset some of the expense.
New US government lighting standards take effect in 2012 as ways to save on electricity, making incandescent bulbs obsolete.
Ways to Save Electricity – Tip #4
Dry clothes outside. When the weather turns warm, letting clothes dry outside on a line is one of the ways to save electricity. In the winter, use a drying rack inside.
Ways to Save Electricity – Tip #5
Energy Star Appliances. When buying new appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, look for those with the Energy Star label. Those large appliances can account for as much as 18 percent of a typical home’s annual energy bill.
Appliances with the Energy Star label are more efficient, use less power and have features that provide ways to save on electricity. Again, some utilities offer programs to recycle older appliances while offering rebates for Energy Star products.
Being energy efficient not only saves money, it is good for the environment. When it comes to ways to save electricity, there are a variety of simple things you can do.