Everyone knows how to save energy, but sometimes we forget how important saving energy is to the health of our planet. Much of the electricity produced in the United States is created with fossil fuels like petroleum and coal. Burning these fuels creates greenhouse gases and contributes to global warming. Electricity is not a clean form of energy, at least not until we can produce it without fossil fuels and nuclear plants. Read these energy saving reminders and help save yourself money while you save the environment.
Turn off lights that are not in use. Replace all incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. They are now made in sizes to fit most fixtures and they use less then half the amount of electricity to produce the same amount of light. Use solar lights in outdoor areas like your driveway and yard. They don't require any special installation because they have no underground wires. Turn off televisions and electronic devices that you are not using. Turn off your computer monitor at home and at the office when the computer is not in use. The monitor uses more energy than any other component. These reminders aren't just about energy saving, as energy costs rise, these simple steps can save you money.
Always run appliances at capacity. A small load of laundry may use less water, but it doesn't use less electricity. Your dryer is one the biggest energy users in your home. Keep your refrigerator and freezer full. The cold food helps the unit stay cold longer so it comes on less frequently. Wait until your dishwasher is full before you turn it on. Always buy energy efficient, or Energy Star rated appliances. These appliances use less electricity and will save energy and money over the lives of the appliances.
If you own a home, have it inspected by an energy expert. Replace old windows with thermal pane, low E glass windows. These windows not only minimize heat exchange, but low E glass actually absorbs radiant heat during the winter to help heat your home passively. During the summer it reflects sunlight keeping your home cooler. Make sure that your home, especially your roof, has proper insulation to minimize heat exchange. Consider changing your oil furnace for natural gas or propane which burns cleaner and heats more efficiently. You may be eligible for subsidies or grants to help defray the cost of energy saving improvements to your home.
Americans are so used to the convenience of our cars that we rarely consider the effect our driving habits have on the environment. Don't make unnecessary trips. Keep a list of items you need from the store and buy everything in one trip. If you live in a community where bread and milk deliveries are available, consider signing up for the service. Use mass transit whenever possible. Make sure your car is properly maintained and your tires are properly inflated to maximize your gas mileage. Proper maintenance of your car is not only an energy saving measure, it will add years to the life of your vehicle.
You have heard all of these energy saving tips before. Implementing these changes will save energy, money and will certainly help save our planet.