Be an Energy Scrooge

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.

  1. Plan shopping trips. Make a list. Try and avoid trips to the store for only one or two items.

  2. Carpool. Go shopping with a friend. By teaming up, only half the gas need be used and only half the pollution created.

  3. Turn lights and appliances off when not in use.

  4. Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater (and your water bed) when you leave for holidays.

  5. On hot days, keep curtains and blinds closed so as to reduce unwanted heating of your home.

  6. In cold climates, make sure windows are double paned and that they do not leak. Additional caulking can result in big energy savings.

  7. 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.

  8. Replace old, energy wasting appliances with new energy efficient models. Consider using gas powered appliances rather than electric ones.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.


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