Ways to Save Energy at Home!

Energy conservation is mostly common sense, yes, but sometimes we can all use a few reminders. These 7 tips will help you get started; once you give it a little thought, we're sure you'll find even more ways to $ave.

Turn Off Unneeded Lights-

Did your dad ever say "Turn off the lights, we don't own the electric company!" My dad always did and now I know why. :)

Fact: Lighting is responsible for about 11 percent of a home's energy bills.

Change out your current light bulbs- (when the oldones need to be replaced)

The little spiral-shaped bulbs known as compact fluorescents use less than a third of the energy of regular bulbs and last ten times longer, paying for themselves in lower energy bills within months.

Fact: If every U.S. household replaced just one regular bulb with a CFL, the amount of energy saved could light 2.5 million homes for a year. Style: The good news is CFLs now come in a variety of colors and styles, including flood lights, candelabra sizes and much more.
Tip: Recycle Your CFLs

Order the consumer pak on Sylvania's website ($15, including shipping), fill up with about 12 burned out bulbs, attach the prepaid shipping label, and your retired CFLs will be responsibly recycled. Larger sizes and community packs also available.

Turn Off Your Computer at Night-

You'll save energy and money if you turn your computer off at the end of each day. It will also reduce wear and tear on your hardware, extending its life.

Fact: According to the Department of Energy you'll save an average of $90 of electricity a year.

Use a Laptop Instead of a Desktop-

Laptop computers use only 15 to 25 watts during regular use, as compared to the 150 watts used by a conventional desktop computer and monitor. Plus, laptops also draw just a fraction of a watt when in sleep mode.

Install Motion Sensors-

Very inexpensive to do! Install motion sensors on lights in your home, which turn on only when movement is detected and turn off automatically.

For me each time I read or write about something, I get new ideas and a better understanding of what and why we should change some of our ways. Please share with us some of the ways you save energy and ways you plan on improving...

Together we can make a healthier earth for generations to come!