Free/Low Cost Tips

[SkywlkrSnd]

Here are some easy to implement recommended tips that are either free or cost very little to implement and can help you drastically reduce your water and energy consumption.


Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Energy efficient CFL bulbs can save up to $50 per bulb over its lifetime and up to 75% of lighting costs. A perfect example is to replace a 100 watt incandescent bulb with a 23 watt compact fluorescent bulb. Not only will it output the same amount of light, it will last 10X as long.
Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
Take steps to cut water use by installing faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, and low-flush toilets.
Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Heating and air conditioning account for up to 45% of a home's energy usage. Installing a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system is a great way cut back on your energy use even further while you're not at home.
Buy ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment. They can be up to 40% more efficient that a standard model.
Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "Normal" setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.
Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day.
Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of overhead lights.
Enable "power management" on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night. A laptop computer uses up to 90% less energy than bigger desktop models.
Wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy use in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water use.
Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.

[maxkone]

Where possible, I also usually try to paint my walls with a lighter color paint. Makes the rooms feel brighter. Dark colors are...well..."dark"...since they absorb a bunch of the available light in the room. So you usually need more light sources (read: energy-hogging bulbs) to brighten up the space to the same level.

Actually I've got one room that is lighter colored, and with its well-placed window, I hardly ever have to turn on a light.

[PBT]

I, too, found that unplugging items that were not in use was a big energy saver. For those items that it's a pain to plug and unplug, I find a power strip to be a great help. I just turn the strip on when I need to use the item and then turn the strip off when I'm done.

[Linda Smaldore]

This is a great Idea, Timothy!

I just found out that using fabric softeners in the dryer (particularly the sheet type), leaves an oily residue on your lint screen/filter. Even though you can't see it, it's there and it takes away from the efficiencies of the dryer. At least once a week, take it out and scrub it in hot soapy water with a scrub brush and let it dry. The lint will peel right off, the air will get through more efficiently and clothes won't take as long to dry.

Keep up the great work and have a green day!

[Sutachne]

With the price of gas going up, we purchased a golf cart for my husband to use around the neighborhood shops. We are a one car family and we saved so much in gas and in dollars by using this NYC Cabbie Gold Cart when the weather is not good for walking.

Sutachne

[Sutachne]

You can save on gasoline by shopping your neighborhood shops instead of driving to the mall. It works. You might find things you would not have see in a mall. Support your local shops that are in walking or a short drive distance and see what's new on their shelves.

Sutachne

[SkywlkrSnd]

You can save on gasoline by shopping your neighborhood shops instead of driving to the mall. It works. You might find things you would not have see in a mall. Support your local shops that are in walking or a short drive distance and see what's new on their shelves.

Great idea! In these times of trying to live more efficiently, it's always better to get two for the price of one. And this tackles two of today's most common issues: Saving energy...and supporting your local small business owners. Perfect.

[Dewey]

Great tips.

You can save on gasoline by shopping your neighborhood shops instead of driving to the mall. It works. You might find things you would not have see in a mall. Support your local shops that are in walking or a short drive distance and see what's new on their shelves.

Sutachne

Also important. Shop local and buy local products and food, it will encourage the local economy and cut down on pollution from cars and shipping.

[burgigue73]

About one week ago my wife and I got some handcrank flashlights that after only winding up for 60 seconds have held their charge for over five days.

The brand name on these items is called DuraPro. We purchased them at Costco, and two of them cost less than 24.

[burgigue73]

OK thought this was a great way to brain storm about wintering a home. Any house tips that you can say in one, post. If they are good, well start a thread dedicated to it.

Ill start:

Outlet foam gaskets

Mary

[maxkone]

OK thought this was a great way to brain storm about wintering a home. Any house tips that you can say in one, post. If they are good, well start a thread dedicated to it.

Ill start:

Outlet foam gaskets

Mary

I've had good luck with door gasketing & weatherstripping. Our back door was terribly drafty, so we put a piece of weather stripping along the bottom and well as sticky-backed foam gasketing around the inside perimeter of the door frame. Wow, I'll tell you that door is now very snug and airtight. No more drafts or escaping heat.

Oh yeah: It's CHEAP too! :)

[PaulM]

Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy users in your home.

Here's a few ideas:

1. Turn the thermostat up a degree or two.

2. Clean the coils! Make sure there is room for air movement. Less work for the compressor means less energy used, and the fridge will last longer.

3. Do you have more than one fridge? Maybe it's a soda or beer fridge or a small dorm size fridge in a play room you've forgotten about. Do you really need it? Consolidate and save energy.. I just recently gave a freezer to a local farmers cooperative. (Recycling the fridge locally!).

If you plan to spend a little money (and it really doesn't need to be much for some projects) the place to start is energy efficiency, things like insulation, high efficiency furnaces, etc.

Paul

[PaulM]

And I love the tip about cleaning the dryer vent.

Everyone remembers the lent trap that is in the dryer door, but also check the vent on the outside of your house, especially if it has one of those little grids to keep small animals out. Those fill up with lent quickly and will cause your dryer to use much more energy.

[mkimberly]

Besides just unplugging everything when not in use, try turning off you circuit breakers on your washer, dryer, water heater, dishwasher, etc. to save energy when these appliances are not in use, like when at work or on vacations.

[EcoChoiceShop]

You can save on gasoline by shopping your neighborhood shops instead of driving to the mall. It works. You might find things you would not have see in a mall. Support your local shops that are in walking or a short drive distance and see what's new on their shelves.

Sutachne
Instead of driving to train station, I walk around 15-20 minutes one way for commuting as long as weather permits. I think this is also a way of reducing gas usage and save money, also reduce carbon emission.

[ribonzz]

besides walking, we could use a bicycle, and that's a sport too. It save the earth and save your life.

[Luke Scott]

Whoa, great tips. I love this site.

[Savings Accounts]

Well then, thanks for sharing the info. I now have idea about it.

[CosmoCA]

Question: is the increased cost of fluorescent light bulbs made up by the energy I will directly save on my electricity bill?

Has anyone here actually drawn up the costs?

[AnzeL]

Long Time no see,
anyways, nice tips.

I Have An Article On My Blog That Includes Other Neat Saving Tips (http://elitecleanenergy.com/blog/?p=35).

Be sure to visit and leave some feedback

The layout is a bit funny, but the point comes accross

`Stay Green

[Birkennew]

okey:mad::mad::mad::mad:

[SnellExperts]

With the price of gas going up, we purchased a golf cart for my husband to use around the neighborhood shops. We are a one car family and we saved so much in gas and in dollars by using this NYC Cabbie Gold Cart when the weather is not good for walking.

Sutachne

I'm curious now after 3 years, what the gas has gone up to. I can't remember what it used to be 3 years, but I can still remember when it was still under a dollar.

[celinaaniston86]

NICE TIPS!!! I really impressed with this thread. There are many informative tips for energy savings here. I really need this tips to save some energy from my home and other easy ways to save energy. Thanks for sharing this nice tips!