Save Energy, Save Money and Protect the Environment.  

Simple ways to do your part.

Electricity: How to use less  |  20 free tips from Consumer Reports

   Saving Energy Tips   |   Saving Energy: 101 Ways to Save

Conserving Energy is Easy

  1. Print on both sides of your paper when you print items on your home computer.

  2. When parking in a big lot look for a spot that you can just drive out of when you are ready to go. Backing up to leave a spot not only uses extra fuel but you can't see behind you, so it's safer to just drive forward.

  3. Turn off your lights and TV when leaving a room.

  4. Drive the speed limit or below, Don't accelerate quickly.

  5. Walk or bicycle when you can. You can always use a little more exercise.
    ( Bicycle paths and sidewalks would be nice)

  6. Install Energy Star appliances.

  7. Install new windows to keep the cold out and the heat in.

  1. Turn off your lights if you leave the room. (What about Fluorescent lights?)
    A simple rule of thumb that balances both concerns is to shut off fluorescents if you’re planning to leave a room for more than five minutes, according to Francis Rubinstein, a staff scientist in the Building Technologies Department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Environmental Energy Technologies Division. Mary Beth Gotti, manager of the GE Lighting & Electrical Institute in Cleveland, agrees. For all practical purposes, "it almost always makes sense to turn the lights off," Gotti says. "From an environmental standpoint, the best way to save energy is to turn off the things that you're not using." Scientific American"

  2. Use a power strip for all your chargers and turn off the strip after your cell phones are charged.
    Plug all you cell chargers, IPOD chargers and electric razor chargers into 1 power strip with a surge protector or just plug one into the surge protector that you already have on your computer, and after your electric toys are charged turn off the power strip switch and you will not be paying for electricity to keep the charger warm. If you want you can add a timer but the timer uses electricity as well. (more)

  3. If your old appliances are on their way out purchase and install new energy efficient ones.
     

How much electricity does your computer use? Your refrigerator? Your washer and dryer? Do you know how to save money on water heating costs? Michael Bluejay’s guide to saving electricity answers these questions and more. Bluejay calls himself “Mr. Electricity” .

My guide on Saving Electricity gives you a bit more than you might get elsewhere. I explain exactly what a kilowatt hour is and how much you pay for one. And I show you how to calculate exactly how much electricity your household appliances use, so you know which items are guzzling the most juice (and which ones are the best targets for savings). You’ll learn exactly how to read your electric meter.  I not only give you meaningful tips for slashing your electricity consumption, I give you the tools to figure out exactly how much you’re saving as well.

Bluejay recommends starting with these. For example:

  • If you use space heaters instead of central heating, you can save nearly $1200/year!
  • If you use fans instead of air conditioning, you can save about $600/year.
  • If you dry your clothes on a line instead of in a dryer, you can save $150/year.
  • If you wash your laundry in cold water instead of hot, you can save $150/year.
  • If you replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescents, you can save nearly $100/year.
  • If you get rid of your television, you can save $75/year.
  • If you put your computer in sleep mode when you’re not using it, you can save $60/year.

For more on these numbers, including the assumptions behind them, check out the first page of the Saving Electricity site.
 This chart from the Department of Energy demonstrates average U.S. home electricity use in 1997:

 

Saving Electricity includes a wide range of information, including a look at how electricity companies charge you, a discussion of electricity myths (”There’s no power surge when you turn on a light. Turning the light off ALWAYS saves electricity, even if it’s for just a second.”), and more!

If you’re interested in cutting your electrical usage, Bluejay recommends the Kill-a-Watt electricity meter. This device measures how much energy an individual item is using, helping you to target the money sinks in your home. I plan to purchase one of these and review it in the next few months.

 

Unplug all you cell chargers

Let us provide background for those new to phantom loads. Home appliances and personal electronic devices pull electricity when in use, as we all would expect. Most also pull electricity when not in use, either while they wait poised on "standby," or because they have a clock or LED light, or because their plug is poorly designed. (Only today did I learn the term "wall wart" as applied to the black transformer boxes appended to our phones, laptops, etc., which draw power simply when plugged into an outlet, even if not plugged into their affiliated gadget.) The amount of "phantom" power drawn in an average U.S. home is expensive per home and truly impressive nationally. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, around 75 percent of the energy used by our home appliances is drawn while we think they are "off." Typical offenders include microwaves, stereo equipment, televisions, chargers for cell phones or iPods and co., and all the computer equipment.

 

Many of us solve this environmental and financial problem by plugging the offenders into a power strip with an on/off switch. When we are through using the appliances on a strip, we turn off the strip, which cuts the electricity to the appliances. Power strips control the electricity coming from the wall, and when they are off, the power is off to the attached equipment. Then, though the evil appliances wish to continue sucking power from the grid, they are thwarted. Trolling on the web will bring you persuasive testimonials from people who shrank their power use this way.
 

Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs.

Consumer Reports has a new publication entitled Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs. To promote the book, they’ve made twenty tips available for free online:

  1. Wash clothes in cold water. Most of the cost in running a washer is in heating the water.
  2. Hang clothes on a line.
  3. Don’t over dry your laundry. Remove clothes from the dryer while they’re still a little damp.
  4. Let the dishwasher do the work. Don’t pre-rinse dishes. (This shocks me. I always pre-rinse dishes.)
  5. Put your PC to sleep.
  6. Turn down the heat in winter. Turn down the air conditioning in summer. Especially when you’re asleep or away from home. (See also.)
  7. Don’t use a conventional fireplace.
  8. Lower the shades and raise the windows instead of using appliances to regulate temperatures.
  9. Use fans instead of an air conditioner.
  10. If you use an air conditioner, keep it well maintained.
  11. Lower the thermostat on your water heater.
  12. Think twice before turning on the oven (especially in summer). A microwave is more energy-efficient.
  13. Use the right pan for the right burner.
  14. Read the label on new appliances — seek energy-efficient models.
  15. Learn to use a crock-pot.
  16. Clean the coils on your fridge.
  17. Drive steadily, and a bit slower. Rapid acceleration and sudden braking use more fuel. So do higher speeds.
  18. Roof racks reduce fuel-efficiency.
  19. Stick with regular unless your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends premium.
  20. Don’t let your car idle or “warm up”. “With most gasoline engines, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine than to idle longer than 30 seconds.”

You can read this list, with fuller explanations, at the Consumer Reports site.

 

- saving energy tips -                                            
 
  1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce the amount of trash discarded, Reuse containers and products, and Recycle aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic, cardboard, and newspapers.

2. Save Our Trees
Recycle paper, mail, newspapers and magazines.  Use cloth towels instead of paper towels.

3. Drink Responsibly
Use reusable coffee mugs and water bottles at work or on the go--you'll use less paper and plastic.

4. Hoof It
In the U.S., cars are responsible for about 25 percent of the greenhouse gases produced and 20 percent of the global total.  Reduce the impact of your car use by carpooling, biking or walking. And if your car trip will take less than 5 minutes don't even bother grabbing your keys.

5. Stop Toppin' Off
Don't top off your gas tank--any gas you spill evaporates and contributes to air pollution.

6. Conserve Water
Do only full loads of laundry and don't let the water run when you brush your teeth or shave.  An open faucet pours 5 gallons of water every 2 minutes.

7. Buy Items with Recycled Content
Buying items made from recycled content creates a need for recycled material.  Try to cut down on your use of disposable items, like razors, dishes, and coffee cups.

8. Donate your Phone
Checking out the latest cell phone?  If you decide to buy a new phone, put your old one to good use by donating it to a charitable organization rather than throwing it away and clogging landfills.

9. Conserve Electricity
Put your computer in sleep mode and use power strips to switch off TVs and other electronics when you're not using them.  Their standby power consumption can be equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously.  Unplug phone and camera chargers when you're not using them.

10. Use Compact Fluorescent Lights
Use compact fluorescent lights and shut off the lights when you leave a room.  One compact fluorescent bulb will keep half a ton of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Thanks to mtv (we tried to get approval to use their info but there has been no response) and Sources: Colby College Environmental Coalition; Earth Resource Foundation; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); and World Wildlife Fund & Center For a New American Dream: www.ibuydifferent.org and public opinion.org
  from mtv   http://www.mtv.com/onair/trippin/top10.jhtml

 

Flex Your Power - California Science Ctr.

Saving Energy Tips II

Saving energy can be painless with a few simple measures that also reduce monthly bills and help the environment. Here are some steps you and your family can take to conserve energy.

  
 

Lights in the daytime? What's wrong with this picture...  open your shades.  Open window blinds for sunshine to light up your life (no need to run lamps in daytime (despite the tv shows and movies that show everyone running lights while a bright sun shines).  If you think others are going to look in at you when the blinds are up just put a big plant in front of the window...  this will keep you from being seen and provide great clean air at the same time.

Turn off your lights. Turn off the lights when you're not in the room (despite the myth that says leave them on to save energy).  Consider trading incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent (CF) bulbs. CFs provide attractive light, use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer!

Hit the switch. If you see something electrical that's not being used, turn in off. This might seem obvious, but it can really add up.

Use your dishwasher and washer/dryer wisely. Only wash full loads.  Let dishes air dry.  Avoid washing during peak hours (noon to 6 p.m. weekdays).

Dust your refrigerator.  Vacuum the dust off the refrigerator coils (found in the back or underneath the unit) every 3 months - it takes less energy to cool that way.  Turn on the energy saver switch, if you have one.  Check the gaskets around the door and make sure it shuts tight.

Monitor your home's temperature. During winter, keep your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees F during the day and 55 degrees F at night. During summer, set the thermostat no lower than 75°F. Move shades and curtains to help heat or cool the house. Seal window and door leaks with caulk and weather-stripping.

Keep your water heater cozy. Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket to improve efficiency. Turn its thermostat down to 120 degrees F (140 degrees F if you have a dishwasher without a booster heater). This saves energy and helps prevent hot water burns.

Consider these investments for long-term savings and efficiency:

  • Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones. Refrigerators built since 1993 are 40% more energy-efficient than models built 10 years prior! Look for models with the Energy Star label, and keep an eye out for rebates sponsored by your utility company or the Electric and Gas Industries Association (EGIA).
  • Plant shade trees near your house to keep cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
  • Add insulation to your attic and walls.
  • Consider installing window coatings or double-paned windows.

Contact your utility company for more information on home energy efficiency

Students: Here's what you can do at home and school †?

Choose a student to be class energy technician who will make sure energy is being properly used. You can pick a new technician each week! The energy "field rep" will turn off lights when no one is in the room, such as during recess and after class.

Make "Turn It Off" signs for the light switches at school and at home.

Be a detective!  Work with your parents to find leaks and drafts in windows and doors by making a map of your house.  Label all the doors, windows and vents.  Then take a ribbon or dollar bill and hold it next to the edges of doors and windows.  If it moves, you've found a leak!  Give the map to your parents and ask them seal any leaks. 

Write a "ticket" to teachers and staff who leave lights on (and/or other electrical equipment)*.

 

  
Fast and Free Energy Tips


Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to reduce energy consumption while saving money. Here are some suggestions you can do at home, at absolutely no cost to you.

Turn up your thermostat. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees F when you are home and 85 degrees F or off when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allows you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room. Always take into account health considerations and be sure to drink plenty of fluids in warm weather. (Savings: 1 - 3% per degree, for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees)

Use your appliances wisely. To help prevent electricity outages, avoid running your appliances during peak hours - from 4p.m. to 6 p.m. or anytime an electricity emergency is declared.

  • Do your laundry efficiently by using the warm or cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes. (Savings: 4%).
  • Line dry clothes whenever you can. (Save up to 5%)
  • When you need to use the dryer, run full loads, use the moisture-sensing setting, and clean the clothes dryer lint trap after each use. (Savings: 0.5%)
  • Conserve energy by running your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded, and turn off the dry cycle and air dry dishes instead. (Savings: 1%)
  • Operate swimming pool filters and cleaning sweeps efficiently. Reduce the operating time of your pool filter and automatic cleaning sweep to 4 to 5 hours, and only during off-peak time. (Savings: 1-2% per hour of reduction
  • Eliminate wasted energy.
  • Turn off appliances, lights/equipment when not in use. (Savings: 2%)
  • Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use-most new electronics use electricity even when switched "off." Turn computers and printers off at the power strip. (Savings: 1-2%)

Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don't really need it. This will save you $150 per year! (Savings: 10-20%)

  • Inexpensive Energy Solutions
     Make a quick trip to your local hardware store to purchase inexpensive energy saving tools and equipment.
  • Replace air conditioner filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit. (Savings: 1-2%)
  • Plug your home's leaks. Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers. (Savings: up to 2%)
  • Choose Energy Star products.
  • Buy Energy Star certified table lamps and light fixtures, and replace your incandescent light bulbs that are used more than two hours per day with Energy Star compact fluorescent bulbs. For example, install compact fluorescent bulbs in your porch light if you leave it on overnight. (Savings: for each bulb you'll save 0.2% for each hour the bulb operates on a typical day. Therefore, replacing an incandescent bulb that burns 10 hours per day will save 2%)
  • Buy Energy Star certified torchieres. (Savings: up to 1% for each hour/day that it's on)

Install an Energy Star programmable thermostat. (Savings: 1-3%)

Good Energy-Saving Investments
 Planning to do some remodeling soon? Time to replace old appliances? Consider these energy efficiency suggestions when you make purchases.

Install a whole house fan. A whole house fan is permanently installed in your attic and draws cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Use after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and in the early morning to cool your house and help reduce your air conditioning use. (Savings: up to 5%)

Install window shading. Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. For more future savings, use  planted trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home. (Savings: 5%)

Invest in a new air conditioner unit. If your air conditioner is on the way out, and uses too much energy, buy an Energy Star® air conditioner. (Savings: up to 10%)

Seal your ducts. Leaking ductwork accounts for 25% of cooling costs in an average home, so have your ducts tested and have any leaks or restrictions repaired by a qualified contractor. Note: duct cleaning is not the same as duct sealing. (Savings: 10 -20%)

Replace your refrigerator with an Energy Star model. Refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer design can save you an additional 2-3% on your bill compared to a side-by-side design. (Savings: 10%)

Increase attic insulation. If existing insulation level is R-19 or less, consider insulating your attic to at least R-30. (Savings: 10%)

Install Energy Star windows. If your windows are due for replacement, Energy Star windows can make your house more comfortable year-round. (Savings: up to 10%)

*The savings numbers are based on your total summer electric bill. Equipment mentioned must be electric powered for estimates to be accurate

from California Science Center (www.Californiasciencecenter.org) - under Flex Your Power)

  
 

Myths:  just leaving a light on is better to save energy than to always turn it off and on

* Southern California Edison estimates that a 60 watt bulb is about 3cents an hour.  12 x 3 = .36 a day.  This makes $2.52 a week, $10.84 a month and $131.40 per year.   Why not turn your light off? and install a light that goes on automatically (Segue to Solar's security solar light!)!