Thrifty Tips--Saving Energy

From the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed, we depend on energy to maintain our busy lifestyles. It's so easy, we probably aren't even aware that we are using energy whenever we flick a switch or push a button. The following tips can help us make the shift to power-saving strategies at home.

• Use daylight as much as possible. Remember, it's free and it doesn't pollute.
• Flick off all lights even if you leave a room for a few minutes.
• Switch all light bulbs to CFLs--the curly-looking ones. They use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They are more expensive--around $4 a bulb versus roughly $1--but the investment will pay for itself over the life of the bulb.
• Turn your heat down 1 degree in the winter and set your air conditioner 1 degree higher in the summer. You probably won't notice and you can easily go for a 2 degree difference.
• Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. This device will allow you to turn your temperature way down or up when you are at work or sleeping.
• When it comes time to buy a new appliance, make sure it has the Energy Star label. These appliances use 10 to 50% less energy and water than standard models. Over time, the money you save will offset the higher initial cost.
• Once you buy an energy-saving appliance, make sure you take advantage of the savings it has to offer. Read the manual, visit product websites, or call the customer service hot line to answer any additional questions you have about conserving power.
  
• Use the refrigerator wisely: decide what you want before you open the door, clean the coils periodically with a vacuum cleaner, don't set the temperature colder than necessary, and keep it full.
• Eliminate vampire power. When stereos, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, microwave ovens and appliances are technically turned off, they continue to suck energy out of the wall and out of your wallet. So, make it easy for yourself and use smart power strips with on/off switches that can be turned off when you are not using your appliances or are away for an extended period.