Energy Saver Ideas

Reduce electricity consumption in your home by cooking with small appliances whenever possible. A toaster oven, slow cooker or an electric skillet uses less energy than a stove. Purchase and use Energy Star-labeled appliances in your home. They use 10 to 15 percent less energy than standard models. Open your blinds or curtains during the day to use natural sunlight to light up your home instead of lights. At night only use lights in the rooms you are in. Turn off the television when no one is watching and unplug appliances that are not in use.

Reduce air leaks in you home to save in energy costs. Windows, doors, the ceiling and floors have the most common air leaks. Seal the leaks around your doors and windows using caulk, weather stripping or spray foam. Add insulation to your attic to block heat loss in the winter and heat gain in summer. Plug or seal the areas around electrical outlets, gaps in pipes, faucets and base boards if you feel any air flow from these areas.

A well-designed, landscaped yard is not only beautiful but it will save you money in the long run. By strategically placing shrubs, trees and vines around the home, it can reduce the energy required to keep homes comfortable during hot summers and cold winters. For example, trees that provide shading around the roof of a home can reduce the inside temperature of the home during the summer, requiring less energy to cool the home. Shrubs and vines not only provide shade, they can insulate the walls and provide wind protection.