Six easy ways to save power and money
March 5, 2009 by Jennifer
When it comes to powering up your house it can take a lot of energy and cost some big bucks. Nowadays we power up everything from lamps, to laptops, to toothbrushes, and more. To save energy and money try the following…
- Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible. This not only saves you cash but saves landfill space as well. Some studies show that it can take as many as 1,000 regular batteries to cover the lifespan of one rechargeable battery.
- Install light sensors that automatically turn off when people leave the room.
- Use voice mail service vs. an answering machine. If you have only a cell then you likely already use voice mail. If you still have a land-line phone, and an answering machine, consider switching to a voice mail service in order to cut out a little clutter plus save energy. Because your answering machine is plugged in 24/7 it drinks up energy.
- Use compact fluorescent bulbs, solar charged lights, or LED lighting where possible (both inside and outside) over incandescent bulbs.
- Unplug anything that’s not in use. While one lamp sitting plugged in doesn’t drain too much energy during the day, consider everything you have plugged in. It all adds up. In the kitchen alone people have their microwave, toaster, blender, and more plugged in all day. It’s unnecessary.
- Close air vents in all unused rooms of the house. It’s silly to heat or cool unused rooms, and it’ll save you money.
[Image via Stock.xchng]