We all need to cuts costs but that may interfere with our lifestyle, so here are some ideas that may help reduce costs without causing too much change in lifestyle. The increase and decrease in temperature in the future places great pressures on customers as this may mean only one thing, more power and fuel are needed to manage the environment and make houses more pleasant.
Over the years, new technology has been developed to enhance our living. Power saving methods have not been left out. However new technology, as always, is a bit expensive at first. And the prices will go down after some time. But instead of waiting for a more affordable power saving devices, let us utilize conventional thinking today and do some work in conserving power.
• Avoid "phantom" energy users.
Electrical appliances that are plugged into sockets even when not in use consume energy. It is like a turning on the engine of your car and idling for a very long time. A single appliance plugged in may not give a meaningful increase in the electrical bill but letting every device on "standby" can be a very expensive device. Pull the plugs from their sockets from every appliance whenever you don't use them.
• Turn down the temperature of water heaters.
Water heaters hold about 40 gallons of water and maintain it at a constant temperature. Forty gallons of water that are sitting in your tank for a very long time consumes a lot of energy. If the water heater is not expected to be used for a while, it is advisable to maintain it at a lower temperature.
• The openings and leaks in doors and windows create drafts.
The stronger the draft is, the longer it will take for homes to be heated or cooled - in addition to the extra work that a heater or an air-conditioning system is doing to regulate the right temperature of the house. In newer houses, the difficulties may be few as developers take more notice to seal drafts. Older homes may not be as well sealed. Even if the outer walls are covered, air flow often occurs around wall sockets, switches and vents that could result in water concentration around these areas. A good foam patch could fix the problem.
• If there is really nothing to prepare much cooking for, let the stove and oven rest.
Instead, use the microwave. When cooking in stoves though, the closer the bottom of the pan used for cooking matches the hob ring of the stove, the more energy is saved. Too much flame for the pan and you are paying for heating the air around it.
• CFL lights are energy savers.
Using CFL bulbs will save you more than sixty percent of the cost of lighting compared with using incandescent light bulbs. These lamps are a little more pricey but these costs are recovered easily because of their long life and the energy saving features.
• Clean appliances regularly.
Dirt and dust interfere with the efficiency of appliances. Leave about four inches of distance between the wall and appliances that generate heat and your walls will not retain the heat.
When in the market for a new appliance always look for the energy coefficient and the energy saving features when you are buying.
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