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5 Simple, No Cost Energy Savings Ideas

  

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It doesn't always cost money to save money when it comes to reducing your energy usage. Here are some simple ideas from Consumerenergy.com to save a little each month....none of these will cost you anything to implement either!

Electronics

• Even when gaming systems, stereo equipment and other electronics are "off" but still plugged in, they are drawing power. Simply pulling the plug can put $150 per year back in your pocket. 

• Save $75 or more per computer per year by using the 'standby' or 'hibernate' setting.

Clothes Washer

• Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water instead of hot to save on water heating costs and use a cold water detergent. You'll also save by waiting to wash until you have a full load. Always add the right amount of detergent as too many suds make your washer work harder which uses more energy.

Thermostat

• Set your thermostat to 58 degrees if you are away from home five hours or more. You use much less energy to heat the house up when you return than to keep it heated while you are away

Home Heating

Heating your home is the largest user of energy and offers the greatest opportunity for savings. About 40 percent of your total home energy budget goes for heating. To reduce your heating costs:

• Clean or replace the furnace filter often during the heating season. Furnaces use less energy if they “breathe” more easily. Follow instructions in the furnace manufacturer’s manual.

• Keep furniture, carpeting and curtains from blocking heat registers and air return ducts.

• If radiators are located near cold outside walls, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.

• While sleeping, add an extra blanket for warmth.

• Close your attic, basement, garage and exterior doors to prevent cold drafts and keep in heat.

Refrigerator/Freezer

Your refrigerator/freezer uses more electricity than any other appliance in your kitchen. 

• Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer door to browse. Each time you do, cold air escapes and your energy costs increase.

• Let hot foods cool before putting them in your refrigerator or freezer. Hot foods cause the motor to work longer and harder.

• Because frozen food stays cold longer than air, it’s good to keep your freezer full, but not packed. You’ll save energy by placing water-filled containers in empty spaces.

Each of these ideas will save you money. If you do several, or all of them, the savings will be substantial. Give it a try...who doesn't want a little more money in their wallet?

Photo Credit: istock