How To Save Energy And Slash Electricity Bills
By C Mwape, Fri Dec 9th
Ways to Save Energy and Slash Electricity Bills 1. Lighting & Light Bulbs Install low energy light bulbs inrooms you use regularly – they last up to 15 times longer than anormal light bulb and provide the same lighting for a quarter ofthe running cost. Turn off the lights when you leave a room fora long period and don't use several light bulbs where one willdo the job. Teach all family members to turn off lights whenleaving a room. 2. TV, Hi-Fi & Radio Turn off the TV or video and hi-fi ratherthan leaving it on standby. Always use the television's on/offswitch. Leaving the television on standby wastes energy.
3. Microwave ovens reduce time by 15% to 20% andsave energy. When boiling vegetables, use just enough water tokeep them covered. Use a jug kettle that has a water level gaugeto ensure you only heat the amount of water you need. Coversaucepans with lids whenever possible to reduce the time. 4. Home Laundry & Dishwashers Save electricity by usingold-fashioned clothesline for clothes drying. Avoid dryingclothes on radiators as it lowers the room temperature, makingyour boiler work harder. Shut off dishwasher for dry cycle. Letyour dishes "air dry". Don't use dishwasher or laundry equipmentuntil you have a full load. 5. Fridges & Fridge Freezers Make sure your refrigerator andfreezer door seals are airtight. Let hot foods cool beforeplacing them in the refrigerator. Defrost refrigerator regularly- when about 1/4 inch of
ice has formed. Place your refrigeratorin the coolest part of the kitchen - away from cookers, heatersand out of direct sunlight. 6. Heating Turn off electric water heater when going away forvacations or weekends. Turn your heating down rather thanopening a window to reduce the room temperature. Never coverradiators with curtains or furniture as this reduces theirefficiency and wastes valuable heat. When going on longholidays, remember to switch your water heating off. 7. Work Tools Use hand tools in your workshop instead of powertools. 8. Appliances When shopping for new appliances, ask aboutenergy-efficient models. Buy appliances on the basis of costplus operating costs, not price alone. Limit the use ofappliances that use over 1,000 watts. Keep appliances clean andin good working order. They'll use less energy. 9. Bills Check all energy bills closely. Errors can be costly. 10. Insulation & Air conditioning Insulating your attic willsave on operating air conditioning (also heating). If your wallsare suitable, cavity wall insulation will substantially reduceheat loss. Keep air conditioning condenser shaded from sun or onnorth side of house. Turn off air conditioning when no one ishome. About the author:Copyright © 2005. Chileshe Mwape writes for The CheapElectricity Guide website at: http://www.cheap-electricity-guide.org.uk/ and he’s also aregular contributor to the Ways2Save website at: http://www.ways2save.org.uk/ |
