15 Ways to Use Less Energy
Posted by Calum and Kathleen MacKenzie on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:21pm.With the world’s population edging up toward 7 billion (we’re only four years away), it’s growing ever more important to reduce our use of consumable energy and turn to greener sources of power.
- If you have the choice, choose an energy provider that offers green energy. In Tampa, check out TECO's Renewable Energy Program.
- Switch the five lights you use most often from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps. You’ll use up to 70% less energy.
- Keep your refrigerator thermostat between 37 and 40 degrees, and your freezer at 5 degrees.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer full – they run more efficiently.
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines when you have a full load.
- Dry clothes on racks or clotheslines on sunny days for major energy savings.
- Watch television together instead of in separate rooms.
- Unplug small appliances when not in use. Your microwave actually uses more power to run the clock all day than it does to run for seven minutes.
- Keep the condenser coils on your refrigerator clean to promote efficient use.
- Use the right size pot or pan for your burners to avoid wasting heat.
- Change the filter on your air conditioner regularly.
- Add weather stripping around the doors if you can see daylight around the edges.
- Keep doors to unused rooms closed to reduce the amount of cooling or heating your system has to do.
- On sunny summer days, use awnings or light drapes to keep the house cooler. In winter, open drapes wide to let the light – and heat – in.
- Use the microwave or toaster oven to reheat foods and save 30% in energy costs.
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