Photo By Conceptjunkie

Over the last few decades home energy use has skyrocketed due to our ever increasing need for electricity. From computers and big screen TV’s, to microwave ovens, large water heaters and air conditioning, we now use anywhere from 600-1100kWh of electricity per month in our homes. And since over half of America’s electricity currently comes from coal power plants, we’re talking about a lot of greenhouse gas. With that in mind, here are some low cost tips to help lower your homes energy use.

Insulate Your Water Heater And Turn The Temp Down

Unless you have a water heater that has a high ‘R-value’, it is losing a lot of heat. By adding a layer of insulation, you can save as much as 5-10% on the cost of heating your water. After you have done this, or even if you don’t insulate it, lower the temperature to around 126 degrees. Most water heaters come set at very high temps that serve no purpose once they reach the faucet, and you most likely will not even notice that it has been lowered, well until you get your next bill that is.

Keep The Fridge/Freezer Full

Not that many people seem to know this, but keeping your fridge and freezer full of food uses much less electricity than if it was half full or empty. And since the fridge and freezer are one of, if not the most power consuming appliances in any household, this can go a long way in reducing your energy use. Now I’m not suggesting buying food and letting it go to waste, rather the idea is to not wait till the last minute to go grocery shopping. On top of that you can also get water jugs or bottles, fill them up and place them in the empty space you are not using. This is especially good for the freezer as it will also extend the freezing temperature of your foods in the freezer in case of a power outage.

Wash Your Clothes On The Cold Setting

Unless you are in need of getting out some real nasty stains or smells, washing your clothing in cold water will generally get the job done just as well as hot water would. Give it a try next time you run a load of laundry, you will be surprised how little difference hot water makes.

Unplug Not In Use Electronics

Just because you turned it off, doesn’t mean it’s now drawing any power. To get around this, without having to unplug everything each night, use power strips with an on/off switch. Hook you’re entire home entertainment system, computer, and so on up to them, and when you are done with it, just flip the switch. This one won’t save all that much energy, but it does help, and it will increase the longevity of your expensive electronics.

Upgrade to energy efficient products

From CF bulbs and LED Lights, to front loading washers and water saving faucets, you would be surprised how much you can lower your energy use just by updating your home. While this will end up costing a lot up front, it always pays for itself over time. So the next time you have some spare cash, invest it in the environment by reducing your electricity bill.

By Mark Johnson