Six Sure Ways to Save Energy
These are some easy ways to save energy that almost anyone can do themselves.
Spring planting season is here again, and before you choose your plants this year, take a moment to check out some plants that can cut your energy bill by as much as 25%.
- Shade trees are seven times more effective than window shades or curtains at reducing air-conditioner costs. Shading your air-conditioner compressors alone can increase cooling efficiency by 10%. Plant bushy broad leaved trees, such as maples, oaks, beeches and poplars to the east and west of your house. They will shade your house in summer and in winter the leaves will drop away so the sun can shine through to help heat your house.
- To block winter winds which can cause a third of your home’s heat loss, plant evergreens trees close together as a wind break on the side of the house that faces prevailing winds. If that is the side that benefits most from the summer breeze, you will have to decide which saves you more-blocking the winter wind or gaining the breeze.
- Shower heads flow five or six gallons of water per minute. Low flow shower heads-available at most hardware stores can cut that in half without appreciably changing the quality of your shower. Look for a brand that delivers no more than three gallons per minute. It’s a saving of about 25 dollars a person over the year. Check with your utility company, they might supply you one for free.
- Faucets often waste more hot water than showers. Easy to install faucet aerators reduce water flow by 40% to 60%, cuts down on splashing, and still provides you with good water intensity. Your savings will double your investment within a year.
- Heat reflectors, which prevent radiator heat from being absorbed by the walls are generally made of rigid plastic foam and covered by reflective metal foil. Buy them at home centers and hardware stores and slide them between walls, and radiators. You will save enough to pay for the reflectors in one season.
- If the outside of your water heater feels warm or hot, you are wasting gas or electricity. Water heater blankets are easy to apply as long as you read the instructions closely. Don’t cover the power wiring of an electric heater or the gas openings of a gas fired water heater. Your savings should cover your investment in a year.
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User Comments
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 18, 2008 at 6:27 am
nice set of tips to save..
very timely,everything is so expensive nowadays,,
people need that, thanks Ruby
Dee Huff
On April 18, 2008 at 8:50 am
You know, Ruby, I keep meaning to install those reflectors behind radiators, and have just somehow never got around to it. I can now aim to do this as part of the changes I’m making for Earth Day 2008. Also, if you have those reflectors behind your radiators, it means you don’t need to worry about painting behind there when it’s time to redecorate! I didn’t know you could buy low-flow shower heads. I’m going to look out for them next time I’m out.
Amos
On April 19, 2008 at 8:22 pm
These are some good tips, Ruby
Dee, I have the reflectors and they are worth the money.It does save the paint as well as energy. Its a good investment.
Ruby Hawk
On April 19, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Thanks, Nobert, DEe, and Amos. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving your comments. I hope these tips are of help to someone. As Norbert says, everything is so expensive we have to save in any way we can.
Lucy Lockett
On April 19, 2008 at 10:33 pm
In this day and age all savings are good! Thanks Ruby.
Hannah
On April 20, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I am doing my spring planting and I will keep these tips in mind. I am putting out some spruce trees in the north side which will make a godo wind break I hope.I\’m going to check out the faucets and shower heads too. Thanks for the information.
IcyCucky
On April 22, 2008 at 7:16 pm
All great tips Ruby…
valli
On April 30, 2008 at 10:17 am
Great ideas.
MysLykeMeeh
On May 1, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Excellent tips. I’m sure many people will agree. Very nice article.
Harold
On May 4, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I have shade trees around my house and I can vouch for the savings in electricty for cooling. The other tips are useful too.
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