There are several ways to reduce your energy useage that are easy and don’t take a lot of time or money.  By taking steps to save energy you will also be saving money. The less you use, the less you spend! Here are some simple tips to get you started.

  • Be sure to fix any defective plumbing or leaks. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month and not only raise your water bill but your energy bill as well.
  • Use glass and ceramic dishes to cook with, not only do they hold heat better, they can lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees!
  • Whenever possible, try to cook and heat your food in the microwave instead of a full sized oven. A microwave only uses 20 percent of the energy required by a conventional oven.
  • Check the lint trap on your dryer regularly, it will help the warm air circulate better and dry your clothes faster.
  • Consider changing your lighbulbs to the new screw in fluorescent bulbs.  They last six times longer than regular bulbs, a 20 watt fluorescent bulb is equivalent to a 60 watt regular bulb.
  • Shut down your computer when you are not using it, or at least keep your computer and its monitor in sleep mode rather than leaving them on around the clock. According to the EPA, you can use 80 percent less electricity, which over the course of a year could have the effect of cutting CO2 emissions by up to 1,250 pounds.
  • Run the washer (and dishwasher) only when you have a full load to save energy and water.
  • Try to use the cold water setting on your washing machine rather than the warm and hot. 90% of the energy used when doing a load of laundry is actually spent heating the water.

These easy to follow tips will help to get you started in saving energy  and not only will you notice a difference in your monthly bill but you will working to help the environment. For more information on other ideas you can use to save energy visit the US Department of Energy’s website and learn more today!