RESOURCES

21 simple ways to save energy in your house

1. When cooking on the oven, cook with the lid on pots and pans as often as possible. This keeps heat inside the pot, and once the desired temperature is reached, you can turn the burner down.
2. Match the pan size with the burner you are using. Don't put a small pan on the largest burner.
3. Don't open the oven door to constantly check on your food. Every time the door is opened, the temperature in the oven drops 25 degrees, and takes more energy to reach the desired temperature.
4. When reheating/baking small items, don't use your stove. Use a microwave for reheating leftovers, and a toaster oven when baking small items. Both appliances are more energy efficient than an oven.
5. Since refrigeration accounts for 30 percent of the energy costs in a home, keep the refrigerator as close to 37 degrees and the freezer as close to 3 degrees as possible. Any colder just wastes energy to maintain that temperature.
6. Regularly clean the gasket around the refrigerator and freezer door. Use a warm cloth with some vinegar, and wipe dry. Keeping this clean prevents cold air from escaping.
7. Keep the fridge and freezer as full as possible. Both appliances have an easier time maintaining a steady temperature when they are full.
8. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. You are using the same amount of water, whether it's full or not.
9. Since the drying cycle uses the most energy, let dishes air-dry.
10. In the Living/Family Room, keep drapes or blinds closed during the day in the summer, and open during the day in the winter. This helps circulate the room's temperature without relying on the air conditioner or furnace as much.
11. Place chairs or desks near a window so that you don't need to use a lamp during the day.
12. Keep furniture away from heating vents. Furniture blocks the heat, making it more difficult to heat a room.
13. Put electronics such as televisions or computers on a power strip. When they aren't being used, the power is cut, eliminating energy loss.
14. Turn the hot water tank down to 120-130 degrees. Not only does this save energy, but when too hot the water can be scalding when showering.
15. Wash clothes in cold water. There are many detergents that are specifically for washing clothes in cold water.
16. Only wash full loads of laundry.
17. Replace furnace filters regular. This improves the efficiency of the furnace and maintains indoor air quality.
18. Hang clothes to dry to save energy by not using a dryer as much.
19. Install motion sensor lights on porches, garages, and patios. This will conserve energy by not having the lights on all night.
20. Plant trees on the south and west side of your house. This will help shade the house, keeping it cooler in the summer.
21. Use a timer for pool pumps and sprinkler systems.

There you go; 21 free or cheap energy saving tips that will not only help save the environment, but help put extra money in your pocket.