Many believe don’t realize that with just a few simple steps how easy it is to go green and save energy in the process. While there is a small investment of extra time and a little money, the payback is money saved the energy cost.
Here are the tips that we offer to help you conserve natural resources while minimizing the dread of those monthly electricity bills.
Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
What is easier than replacing a lightbulb? Easier and “greener” with energy efficient light bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs.) Though slightly pricier upfront cost approximately $4 per bulb than normal LED bulbs, they can conserve electricity and have an 8 to 10 year lifespan. Offering money savings because they don’t use as much electricity and won’t need to buy light bulbs as often.
Automatic Light Switches
Something often tedious – especially parents or guardians – is the drag of constantly flipping off light switches. Children, guests, friends or family have are usually the causes of this problem. What’s a way to eliminate the problem without kicking out our loved ones?
Auto light switches give you instant gratification once installed. You are guaranteed an easier experience and a cheaper light bill.
Power Strips
When appliances aren’t in use, you may think that they are “turned off” and not using electricity. However, devices such as televisions or computers are normally “sleeping” can wreak havoc on your electric bill.
The key to preserving energy is purchasing a power strip to plug all devices and appliances that are safe to fully turn off in to. Once the day is over you can flip a switch and watch the power drain from your devices and monthly bill.
Adjust Your Thermostat Accordingly
If you regulate your thermostat only a couple of degrees, (heating or air conditioning), your household can increase in energy and rack up your bill.
What are some things that can help you not adjust your thermostat so often?
For the chillier weather you can slip on a jacket, slide on slippers and wrap up in a blanket instead of ramping up the heat. For the hotter weather, you can always count on the use of ceiling, or regular fans. Remember, weather fluctuates but your bill doesn’t have to.
Water savings
Have you ever seen somebody leave the faucet running while brushing their teeth? How about somebody leaves the shower running without actually being in it? These actions aren’t only wasteful towards the clean supply of water and electricity (when hot water is used) but your wallet as well.
Water heaters
Hot water heaters generally run for 3 hours a day and use around 4000 watts of electricity. Water heaters are silent killers towards your bill marking you as a victim.
Two ways of preserving energy is adding an insulated jacket or hot water heater coat to your hot water heater and lowering your traditional hot water tank temperature to around 120F.
Conclusion
It’s amazing how much money and energy you will save just by implementing a few tips at a time. Not to mention, the positive environmental impact also.
Michael Tobias is the founder and principal of Chicago Engineers. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech class of 2004, with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with honors. His innovative approach to MEP engineering comes from graduating GE’s Engineering Leadership Program, where he designed wind turbines and biofuel power plant engines. Michael’s passion within design is energy efficiency and green technology.
