:: Good Girl Gone Green » 10 Ways to Conserve Energy in your Home ::

10 Ways to Conserve Energy in your Home

but by 10 I really mean 12.

Do you really need all the lights on in your home? Probably not. So simply just turn them off. How about lighting a non-toxic candle or just sit in the dark. During the day, depend on natural light.

Did you know that energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs use 1/4 of the energy as a standard light bulb? So make the switch. And, they have come a long way in the last few years. They now are available in all different sizes and for various applications.

Do you ever leave your T.V or computer on just because? Please turn off your electronic devices and appliances when they are not in use. Better yet, unplug them. Why you might ask? You see “phantom energy” sucks the extra energy from the grid into your home when you are not looking. Sneaky sneaky. Many electronic devices and appliances draw power even when they’re switched off, just by being plugged in. You might think this sounds insignificant, but over time it can add up. *Buy energy start electronic devices and appliances and save money and energy*

Just had dinner and it’s time to do the dishes. Make sure your dishwasher is full before using it.

Keep the refrigerator temperature about 36-38 degrees, and the freezer at 0-5 degrees.

Why use the dryer when the air outside can do the trick just as well, even in the winter. But you are still not convinced, hang your clothing on a drying rack inside instead.

Cold water is the way to go. No need for the super hot water to clean your clothing, cold water works just fine.

Most people don’t put too much thought into how washing their clothing at certain times of the day can save them money and energy. Off-peak hours is the way to go. Don’t believe me, check this out (Source: Ontario Energy Board)

Day of the Week	Time	Time-of-Use	Price(cents/kWh)
Weekends & holidays	All day	Off-peak	2.9
Summer Weekdays (May 1 – Oct 31)	7 a.m. to 11 a.m.	Mid-peak	6.4
	11 a.m. to 5 p.m.	On-peak	9.3
	5 p.m. to 10 p.m.	Mid-peak	6.4
	10 p.m. to 7 a.m.	Off-peak	2.9
Winter Weekdays (Nov 1 – Apr 30)	7 a.m. to 11 a.m.	On-peak	9.3
	11 a.m. to 5 p.m.	Mid-peak	6.4
	5 p.m. to 8 p.m.	On-peak	9.3
	8 p.m. to 10 p.m.	Mid-peak	6.4
	10 p.m. to 7 a.m.	Off-peak	2.9

Grab a blanket in the winter, and set your thermostat at 68 degrees in the daytime, and 55 degrees at night. In the summer, keep it at 78. By simply lowering your thermostat by two degrees during the winter months can save as much as 8% of heating-related CO2 emissions. Wow, that’s approximately a reduction of 420 pounds of CO2 per year for a typical home.

Close your blinds in the summer to keep the house cool in the summer and in the winter keep your blinds open to warm the house.

You know that big heater in the basement that you don’t really think too much about? Go and check it’s temperature and set it at 120F. Studies show that 120F is sufficiently hot enough to kill bacteria when washing.

You think a blanket only keeps you warm? Think again. Your hot water heater could use one. You can also install a hot water heater insulated blanket for 15-20$ and it pays for itself in a year.

So save some “greens” by going green! Who’s in? I know the planet will thank you for all your efforts!

Sources: “The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy” Author Dan Chiras and PEPCO

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Reply story says:

July 7, 2011 at 8:39 am

Great tips! I love my CFL bulbs. Also, contact your power company because many have rebate programs for buying them. Mine sent me a giant crate of them for free!

Reply Good Girl Gone Green says:
July 7, 2011 at 8:41 am

Thank you so much! That is a great idea, I will do that for sure.

Reply Scott aka This Daddy says:

July 7, 2011 at 1:59 pm

We do alot of that stuff. There is always stuff you can do, by you I mean we, us the people.

Keep up the great work and spreading the word

Reply Good Girl Gone Green says:
July 7, 2011 at 2:02 pm

LOL! That’s great Scott! And thank you for all your support…I really appreciate it!

Reply scrappysue says:

July 7, 2011 at 8:04 pm

thanks for stopping by – love your spring green blog! so fresh looking!

Reply Good Girl Gone Green says:
July 7, 2011 at 9:01 pm

You’re welcome and thank you as well!

Reply Don Morgan says:

July 7, 2011 at 10:23 pm

I switched from CFL’s, which I have been using for longer than I can remember or at least before it was cool, to LED’s. They take half or less power than CFL’s. Your tips are right on. Good job.