Energy Saving Tips for Spring and Summer

When the temperature drops, and your utility costs climb like the dial of your thermostat, you probably look for ways to cut back on your energy bill. But the colder months shouldn’t be the only time that you make an effort to cut back on electricity consumption. Follow these easy tips to save money and help the environment, all year round.

1. Turn off lights that you aren’t using. Your grandma probably told you this one a million times, mine certainly did. And while hitting the switches on a light you aren’t using is a no-brainer, most of us are guilty of leaving the lights on in rooms that we aren’t occupying. Religiously remembering to turn off every light, every time can add up to big savings.
2. Switch to energy saving light bulbs. They may be a little more expensive then traditional light bulbs, but the money that you’ll save on your electric bill will more then make-up for the price difference. A compact fluorescent—or CF— bulb provides the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb, but uses only 25% of the energy. Look for products with the energy star logo. They are the most efficient and have been rigorously tested.
3. Unplug electronics, cell phone chargers, and anything else you aren’t using. Lots of appliances suck up energy, even when they are turned off. TV’s, computers and DVD players are among the biggest culprits. In the average home, 25% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Solve the problem by pulling the plug.
   
4. For older appliances, use a power cord to reduce the energy consumption of the appliance's electric motor. In addition, turning off your TV or stereo, via the switch of a power cord, rather then manually or by remote control, saves electricity on newer and older appliances.
   
5. Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. About 90% of the energy used in powering a washing machine goes to heating the water. While you’re at it, clean the lent from your dryer. This will cut the time it takes to dry your clothes, and thwart a potential fire hazard.