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How to Reduce Your Home's Energy Consumption
With the way the economy is today, everyone is looking for any way they can to save money. Here are some tips that will save you some money on your energy costs at home.
Did you know your electronics at home are costing you money even when they are shut off? It's true, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This includes your computer, your television, DVD player, kitchen appliances, and stereos. In order to reduce your costs, unplug your home electronics when you aren't using them. You could also put your home electronics on a power strip and just flip the switch to off and it will cut off the power to all your electronics that are plugged into it.
Whenever possible, make sure to purchase Energy Star appliances. Energy Star is a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. These appliances drastically cut down your costs for energy because they use less and benefit the environment while doing so.
Things to do at home with the appliances you already have are: to set your dishwasher to air dry or even just open the door to allow dishes to air dry, this saves energy instead of using the heat dry option. Clean the lint out of your clothes dryer every load to improve circulation. If possible, hang your clothes on a clothes line or drying racks rather than using an electric dryer. If you are going to use an electric dryer, dry heavier clothing such as towels in a separate load from the lighter clothing.
Studies have shown rechargeable batteries for things such as cordless phones, are more cost effective than throw away batteries. Make sure to unplug your battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the charger is not in use. When you use your washing machine make sure your setting is correct for the load size, meaning only set it for a large load if it is full, if it isn't full you should be able to use a medium load. Only run your dishwasher when it is full as well.
Many people have a second refrigerator in the basement or garage; make sure to unplug it when you aren't using it. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, think about replacing it to lower your energy costs. Most people spend 10-15 minutes in the shower daily. Cutting down the time spent to 5-7 minutes a day on an average, would result in savings on the monthly utility bills, saving water and maintain an individual's hygiene standards. Your hot water heater accounts for about 13% of your total energy use in the average home. You can save on your water bill and your hot water heating bill by also using a low-flow shower head.
Remember, you don't need to run out and buy all new appliances, just make sure to do what you can to save energy with your current appliances at home. Don't forget to shut off lights and electronics when they aren't in use!
About the Author Learn how to go green! Let www.Green3Dhome.com show you how to reduce your energy consumption, make your home energy efficient and significantly contribute to improving the environment. Also, check out their green product directory and green building forum.
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