How Can We Reduce Our Electricity Use?We can also save money with these great ideas.

Think about it, plan, try it out, use what works, and check to see how well it works.

Conceive

Develop

Test

Implement

Analyze

LaundryWash clothes in cold water to save $63 a year.(Department of Energy) Photos from Creative Commons

Lighting

Energy for lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine the light bulbs in your house and consider replacing inefficient bulbs with a more efficient choice, such as energy-saving incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When shopping for bulbs, consider the brightness of the bulbs you want and look for lumens and the Lighting Facts label. Your electric utility may offer rebates or other incentives for purchasing energy-efficient lamps. Also look for ways to use controls such as sensors, dimmers, or timers to reduce lighting use.

(Department of Energy) Photos from Creative Commons

LightingTurn off all lights, appliances and electronics not in use. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once.(Department of Energy) Photos from Creative Commons

Window shades work

Use your window shades. Close blinds on the sunny side in summer to keep out the hot sun, and open them in winter to bring in warm rays. (Department of Energy) Photos from Creative Commons

ControlInstall a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs.(Department of Energy) Photos from Creative Commons

Modern efficient electronicsLook for the Energy Star label, the government’s symbol of energy efficiency, on a wide range of consumer products to save up to 30% on related electricity bills.(Department of Energy) Photos from Creative Commons

Control water useUse low-flow faucets and shower heads to save on water bills.Your hot water is heated with gas or electricity, so the less you use, the more you save on fuel costs, too.

(Department of Energy) Photos from Creative Commons

Air flows better through clean filters.Clean or change filters regularly. A dirty furnace or A/C filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool. (Department of Energy: and Photos from Creative Commons)

What can we do with the water heater?Reduce water heater temperature to 130° F to save energy and money on heating water; and wrap the water storage tank in a specially-designed “blanket” to retain the heat. (Department of Energy: and Photos from Creative Commons)

Caulk neatly around windows and doors.Seal air leaks and properly insulate to save up to 20% on

heating and cooling bills, while also increasing home comfort.(Department of Energy) Photos from Creative Commons

Seal places where air leaks.You can use weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors. To determine how much weatherstripping you will need, add the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weatherstripped, then add about 10 percent to accommodate any waste.

(Department of Energy: and Photos from Creative Commons)

You might consider the following:•Unplugging an item when it is not in use to prevent phantom loads

•Changing the settings or using the item less often

•Purchasing a new, more efficient product. Learn more about shopping for efficient appliances and electronics.

• "U.S. Department of Energy“ and Creative Commons

Appliances and ElectronicsThe appliances and electronics you choose and how you use them affect your energy use and costs. Examine the appliances and electronics in your home and estimate their energy use. Consider strategies for reducing the energy use of your appliances and electronics. http://energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits

"U.S. Department of Energy“ and Creative Commons

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommend a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door and there should be one near or over any attached garage. Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.

http://www.homesafe.com/coalert/cofacts.htm

When sealing any home, you must always be aware of the danger of indoor air pollution and combustion appliance "backdrafts.

" Backdrafting is when the various combustion appliances and exhaust fans in the home compete for air. An exhaust fan may pull the combustion gases back into the living space. This can obviously create a very dangerous and unhealthy situation in the home.

"U.S. Department of Energy“ and Creative Commons

HOW DOES CO ENTER THE HOME?

Carbon monoxide can escape from any fuel-burning appliance, furnace, water heater, fireplace, woodstove, or space heater.

Most newer homes are built very air-tight, thus cutting down on the supply of fresh air to your furnace - and creating an oxygen starved flame. Tight closing replacement windows and doors, as well as additional insulation can cause similar problems in older homes.

Carbon monoxide can spill from vent connections in poorly maintained or blocked chimneys. If the flue liner is cracked or deteriorated, CO can seep through the liner and into the house - slowly creeping up to dangerous levels. If a nest or other materials restrict or block the flue, CO will mostly spill back into the house.

http://www.homesafe.com/coalert/cofacts.htm

YOUR WHOLE-HOUSE PLAN After you know where your home is losing energy, make a plan by asking yourself a few questions:

How much money do you spend on energy?

Where are your greatest energy losses?

How long will it take for an investment in energy efficiency to pay for itself in energy cost savings?

Do the energy-saving measures provide additional benefits that are important to you—for example, increased comfort from installing double-paned, efficient windows?

How long do you plan to own your current home?

Can you do the job yourself or do you need a contractor?

What is your budget?

How much time do you have for maintenance and repairs? "U.S. Department of Energy"

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