Picture credit: armisteadbooker
I’m a complete sucker for anything that has been proven to save energy (as scams still exist throughout!). Light bulbs, fans, fridges, even Energy Star computer screens. I love what they’re trying to do: decreasing the amount of energy increasingly more advanced technology required. So I decided I’d compile something that you could buy, or build, that could save you energy, and the planet in turn, in the long run.
- Buy Energy Star products, as they have met “strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy”.
- When building or renovating a house, place insulation in the walls, ceiling and floor. It can save as much as 55% of energy in heating and 50% of energy in cooling. See this Fact Sheet for all the info
- Don’t add blinds to your windows, rather “tint” them with Low-E glazing. See this entry for why
- Invest in a washing line, and use it to dry your clothes. This way, you are taking advantage of solar power, without the solar panels!
- Buy Energy Saver light bulbs, like Compact Fluorescent bulb. They can use nearly 80% less energy, but can match, or often excel the light output of a traditional filament bulb. They also emit a white light, which is more pleasant on the eye. How to buy Energy Saving Light bulbs
- Buy appliances that can run of batteries, rather than plug them in the wall, like an alarm clock.
- If installing light in your garden, buy the self-sufficient Solar-powered lights, which have a perfect beautiful glow.
- Take part in outdoor sport, such as football or tennis. This gets you out of the house, and prevents you from relying on a TV or computer for entertainment, and thus saving electricity.
- Invest in solar panels. This can be expensive, and so I’ve saved it for last, but with nearly 50% efficiency being reached in testing (If it’s not surpassed already), Solar power will become very viable and more affordable in the future.
BONUS: 10. Unplug cellphone chargers / camera chargers if you aren’t using them. They consume a constant stream of electricity when plugged in, which seems small, until you have 6 or 7 of them.
Happy saving 2008!
Update: If you like this story, please submit it to your favorite social media site, by clicking on “Share This” below.
#1 by Wayne at Ez DIY Electricity on January 11th, 2008 - 6:33 am
This is a good list and I agree with all 10 points. Well, # 6 may be a little extreme and the batteries need to be properly disposed of. Alarm clocks are also minimal loads in a home.
However, I’ve stopped encouraging compact fluorescent lamps because they have mercury in them. Most people either are not aware of this or do not care and improperly dispose of these lamps. I have to honestly say though, my house is full of compact fluorescent lamps.
I’ve started recommending LEDs. LEDs are a little more effiecient than a compact fluorescent lamp and they do not have mercury in them. A couple of down sides to a LED is the up front cost and the light is more focused, like a spot light.
#2 by The Internet Journalist on January 11th, 2008 - 10:02 am
I’d have to agree with you there Wayne. LED’s are brilliant. They’re bright, last forever, don’t break and will save electricity.
Good addition!
#3 by Linda on January 19th, 2008 - 7:14 am
I am also encouraging led’s. these little guys are the best and have been used in computers for quite a while.
#4 by John Payne on January 20th, 2008 - 12:20 pm
That’s a very useful list. It may be worth adding another energy-saving area- cutting down heating losses through badly-sealed windows, doors, lighting and exhaust fan holes in the ceiling.
The discussion of Compact Flourescent Lights vs. LEDs is interesting- with the balance swinging dramatically to the new generation of LEDs. Your readers may like to read the article on the subject at http://www.enviro-friendly.com/lightglobes.shtml
Keep up the good work!
#5 by The Internet Journalist on January 22nd, 2008 - 6:06 pm
John, That’s a great suggestion! I’ll begin working on a post soon!
CFLs vs LEDs is a very interesting debate. I appreciate the link!