Saving energy at home is easy. These time-tested tips and energy-saving choices for reducing your home energy consumption will save energy and money:
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to save energy and money! CFLs last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs, meaning you don’t have to change them as often. In addition, each CFL that replaces an equivalent incandescent bulb can reduce your energy costs by $8 annually. New CFLs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors for different tasks.
- Use a variable speed pool pump and program it to run on low speed most of the time. The lower speed increases the filter efficiency, reduces pump noise, and lowers the amount of electricity used. Limit the use of high speed to vacuuming or using a pool cleaner, cleaning the filter, starting a roof- mounted solar heater, or when you need more water flow.
- Be aware of “Energy Vampires.” Any appliance with a clock or “instant on” setting is an “Energy Vampire” when it uses electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unplug all appliances and equipment when not in use.
- Turn off lights when not in use.
- Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day — use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, and other heavy appliances during evening hours.
- Ventilate your home in the late evening by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate.
For more energy saving tips and information on rebates from the city, check out these posts.
