Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques

Household energy saving tips.

Painless Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques that save energy and money. How to spend less of your household budget on power and reduce your treadmark on the planet.

While you're creating an energy efficient home and saving money on your electric bill, the only difference you'll notice will be the extra cash in your pocket.

piggy bank

It is possible to stay within a shrinking household budget and live comfortably within your means.

Ever wonder where all those energy dollars are going? Find out how much energy each appliance you own is consuming with the P3 International P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor. A handy device that pays for itself promptly by revealing the energy hogs among your household appliances.

Reduce the amount you spend on utility and electric bills and keep the jingle in your jeans with our favorite energy conservation tips and techniques.

In the Kitchen ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques

Eat by candlelight occasionally, even the kids can get into it.
Slow cookers, electric fry pans and electric kettles use less power than the stove top or oven.
Vacuum or dust the coils at the back of refrigerators and freezers every month to allow for better circulation and minimize power needs.
Use the toaster oven for small items rather than heating the big oven.
Use the energy saving setting on your dishwasher.

Laundry Day ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques

laundry day

Wash your clothes in cold water (studies show that hot water has little benefit). And only full loads at a time.
Use the cool cycle or low heat setting as much as possible on your dryer.
Add 2 or 3 tennis balls to a load. They keep fabrics fluffed up and reduces drying time.
Install a clothes line to dry sheets and other bedding or white cottons. Not only will it reduce your power bill but the sun bleaches your cottons to a crisp white and the fragrance can't be imitated.
Front loading washers use less power, water and detergent and any appliance that displays the energy star logo has been proven in the energy conservation department.

Lighting ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques

money bulb

Use scented candles in rooms on dark evenings instead of leaving a light on.
Turn lights off in unused rooms.
Put dimmer switches on lights where you don't always need bright light.
Installing a Solar Powered Security Light outside will ensure safe passage for your family and guests while discouraging intruders. Solar lights use no expensive grid power.
Use LED light bulbs in all light fixtures. LED (or light emitting diode) bulbs are better than those twirly compact fluorescent bulbs and way better than incandescents.

Initially LED bulbs are more expensive at $25 to $30 per bulb BUT they'll last for 22 years.

The cost of incandescent bulbs over 22 years would be well over $100.00, more than 3 times the cost of LED's.

Heat and Hot Water ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques

Use a programmable thermostat to automatically turn the heat down at bedtime and when the house is unoccupied it will also turn heat up just before you get up in the morning or return home in the evening.
Programmable water heaters do much the same as the thermostat, heating water only when it is normally used rather than keeping it hot all day and night.
Change (or at least look at) filters on air conditioners and furnaces once a year.
Turn heat off (or close registers) and close doors to unused rooms. Same with air conditioning, only heat or cool the main living area.
Seal and insulate heating ducts everywhere you can gain access including basement and attic.
Reduce your air conditioning needs by installing ceiling fans and strategically placing fans to keep living areas comfortable.
To keep the heat in (or out) insulate doors, windows, floors, ceilings and walls.
Insulate your hot water tank and pipes by wrapping insulation around them. Keep the hot water thermostat at 110¡ F (43¡ C) for safety and savings.

Electronics ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques

Plug electronics into a power bar that can be easily switched off at night. TV's, computers and stereo equipment in particular, use energy even when they're turned off. The power bar essentially unplugs without unplugging.
When charging devices overnight the batteries only need a few hours (not all night), use a timer to turn off the charger after 3 to 4 hours. The device will be charged without wasting power.
Laptop computers use much less energy than a desk top.

General ~ Energy Conservation Tips and Techniques

Make a solar oven with the kids or grandkids and use it. It's Fun and Educational
Place a 1 litre bottle full of water into the toilet tank if you don't have a water saving variety. This displaces and saves a litre of water for every flush. When it comes time to replace the toilet go with the low water use varieties.
Awnings over south facing windows can reduce the need for air conditioning in summer.
Install a solar roof vent to rid the house of unwanted heat during summer months
Plant deciduous trees in front of south facing windows. In winter the naked branches allow the sun to warm the house and the leaves in summer provide shade.
When appliances need to be replaced, buy the most energy efficient ones on the market. From most to least these are the energy sucking appliances: Refrigerator, electric oven, central air conditioning, freezer, washing machine, dryer, electric stovetop and dishwasher.
Drive less and walk, cycle or use public transportation, etc. more.
Carpool or use public transportation more often.
Consuming local products and foods saves fuel and the environment (transportation)
Recycling and reusing saves energy and resources.
Use sturdy fabric reuseable bags to carry groceries.

If you're thinking of going solar, reducing energy now can result in significant savings on your solar array.

If you're not thinking of going solar, just enjoy the savings.

Click here for a step by step guide to reducing YOUR home energy costs!

Adding energy efficient home design principles to our energy conservation tips and techniques can make a significant difference in your energy consumption.

Adding solar further increases independence and decreases pollutants.

Helpful Resources

Home Appliances and Kitchen Aids - All the practical information you need to know about your home-appliances and kitchen aids, from refrigerators to cookers and washers. Save money with practical advice and self help.

Share your Energy Conservation Tips

Do you have a great idea for keeping your energy bill from running out of control?

Here's a chance to pay it forward by sharing your valuable energy conservation tips with future visitors to Solar Power at Home.

Tell us what you and your family do to conserve energy and how you get your family to comply.

Enter Your Title

Tell Us Your Story! [ ? ]

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional) [ ? ]

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Kyle the Coyote
I live in North Central Florida and my home is 55 years old.

Insulating interior walls is out of the question but I blocked off my chimney (it was ...