Home Decor, Home Improvement, Home Design Ideas and Tips, Business Articles and Information

In a modern world we cannot do without energy (electricity, gas, fuel) in our daily lives. We are dependent on our cars, appliances, gadgets, tools and toys to get through our days. But a large portion of the energy we use are wasted.

We tend to feel that the few dollars we can save will have no effect, but multiply that by millions of households and the savings are substantial. And this doesn't have to be a pain or put a cramp in our lifestyles. We do not even have to go as far as converting our homes into green homes.

In addition to the normal tips or switching of lights, not using lights during daylight hours and such a few additional simple and relatively low-cost changes will also have an effect:

Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Although more expensive than normal light bulbs the last so much longer.
Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips or combination plug adaptors; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F (50°C).
Take short showers instead of baths.
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
Look for the energy efficient home appliances and products. In the US ENERGY STAR(R) products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

If these seems too simple one can always do more, such as installing solar energy or wind energy generators, improve the insulation of one's home and much more. However, this is a start.

Ebooks like Home Made Power Plant shows you how to install energy replacement devices at a relatively low cost and without any major remodeling while online bookstores like Amazon have a number of books on Green building, remodeling and energy savings available.

Eco Friendly Home & Building Designs provides information and resources on creating an eco friendly living and working environment.

< Prev		Next >

[ Back ]

Featured