Below are a few suggestions on how you can become an
energy scrooge. You
will see more in other parts of this program. Some of the following tips
have immediate cost savings while others require longer periods to pay for
themselves. All focus on saving energy and preventing waste.
- Plan shopping trips. Make a list. Try and avoid trips to the store
for only one or two items.
- Carpool. Go shopping with a friend. By teaming up, only half the
gas need be used and only half the pollution created.
- Turn lights and appliances off when not in use.
- Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater (and your water bed) when you leave
for holidays.
- On
hot days, keep curtains and blinds closed so as to reduce unwanted heating
of your home.
- In cold climates, make sure windows are double paned and that they
do not leak. Additional caulking can result in big energy savings.
- Additional insulation can both keep a house cooler in the summer
and reduce heat escape in the winter. A properly positioned deciduous tree
can help block summer sunlight from entering and heating a room.
- Replace old, energy wasting appliances with new energy efficient models. Consider
using gas powered appliances rather than electric ones.
- Implement non-energy alternatives: walk or ride a bike, hang clothes
to dry, sweep a floor rather than vacuum, hand wash delicate clothes rather
than using a gentle laundry cycle.
- Use appliances and machinery in their most energy efficient mode:
if you use an air conditioner, keep it on and turned to an energy efficient
setting; wash full loads of laundry as opposed to part loads; check tire
pressure frequently on motor vehicles; regular maintenance and tune-ups to
ensure items are running properly and efficiently.