Energy Saving Tips

 Energy Saving Tips

101 Ways to Save

101 Formas de Ahorrar Electricidad y Dinero

Around the House

  1. Our hot water heaters are constantly warming the water in the tank trying to keep the temperature close to where you set it. And most of us have our hot water heater temperature set too high. Lowering this setting will save money because you don’t need as much electricity to maintain that high heat.
  2. Give your water heater a hug with an insulation jacket to keep the temperature and your savings locked it. You can also add insulation to the outside of the pipes.
  3. Wash clothes in cold water and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.
  4. Our devices don’t sleep. Even though we turn off the computer, DVR, PlayStation or other devices, most go into standby mode—instead of completely powering off. They’re also regularly performing updates, downloading content and wasting energy when they’re still plugged in. Phantom or vampire loads can account for more than 10% of your power bill.
  5. Did you put your computer to sleep? According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, it’s still drawing 21.13 watts in sleep mode. None of us want to miss the next episode of our favorite TV show. But remember while the DVR is recording it’s using nearly 38 watts of power.
  6. Plug devices into power strips over individual outlets. Instead of unplugging everything, simply turn off the power strip and unplug it.
  7. Run your appliances without running up your bill with a few easy tips: always change your A/C filter; clean your refrigerator’s condenser coils; always wash or dry full loads of clothes; and turn off the heated dry setting on the dishwasher.
  8. Program your savings with a smart or programmable thermostat. When you are asleep or away from your home, turn your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours and save around 10 percent a year on heating and cooling.
  9. Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty even after weatherizing. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
  10. Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 75 percent less energy.
  11. Remember to clean your appliances. They’ll have to work harder over time when their clogged with dust and grime. When your appliances work harder, they’re going to use more energy.

Outside

  1. Plant trees around your shed or barn. In warmer climates trees have a natural cooling effect that can reduce temperatures in your buildings.
  2. Choose outdoor lighting designed to be energy efficient, and install motion detectors to reduce energy consumption when not in use.
  3. If possible, carefully consider where you build your shop or barn. Consider drainage, sun exposure and how the building may affect your neighbors.