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15 Easy Energy Saving Tips
©2006 Nikki Willhite www.allthingsfrugal.com
Here are some easy things you can do to keep down your utility costs:
1. Either turn your thermostat down at night (5-10 degrees) or buy a timer to do it.
2. Keep your closet doors closed to heat less space.
3. Fireplaces without glass doors draw hot air out of your house and up your chimney. Use them sparingly.
4. Keep all the filters in your appliances clean (dryers, refrigerators, etc.) Properly maintained, a refrigerator can last over 15 years. Without maintenance, it can die in as little as 5 years.
5. Keep your bulbs as low in wattage as you can and still have adequate light. However, do the math. Don't substitute three 50 watt bulbs for a 100 watt bulb. Keep your light bulbs dusted, and install dimmer switches.
6. If you have a work area in your home where you keep the lights on for several hours, think about fluorescent lights. They last much longer and use much less energy.
7. Insulate wall plates (such as for lights, cable cords and phones) to avoid air drafts.
8. If you can't keep your freezer full, freeze water containers to fill the space. A full freezer saves energy.
9. Always cool food before putting it in the refrigerator or freezer. Not only are you running up your electric bill, but you may be harming the other food in your refrigerator by adding warm items.
10. When you heat up your oven, use it for more than one thing. If nothing else, throw in a couple of whole potatoes. You can shred them later for hash browns.
11.Run full loads in your washing machine and dryer. Avoid opening the dryer door and letting heat escape. Air dry your dishes.
12. Going on vacation? Don't forget to turn the water heater down or set it on vacation mode.
13. Use the light orientation of your house wisely. Use the sun when you can to bring in warmth, and cover the windows that let in the cold.
14. Don't overdry clothing. 100% cotton clothing can be hung up to dry wet. You get fewer wrinkles that way and avoid ironing.
15.Insulate all hot water pipes in/under your home.
About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of three, and an Interior Design Graduate, is the editor of The Pennypincher E-zine and Tightwad Tidbits Daily. Visit her at http://www.allthingsfrugal.com .
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