We are lucky to live in an age of virtually uninterrupted power supply. We wake up each day fully knowing that the lights will switch on and that our appliances will work. Power has become a permanent and an important part of our daily lives. However, did you know that our sources of power are dwindling? Yes, power shortages can and are happening. That is why we should do our part to conserve energy whenever we can. These eight tips can help get you started on home energy conservation.
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When you are buying or upgrading appliances make sure to look for the Energy Star logo. While Energy Star qualified appliances are initially expensive, you will be saving more money in the long run. These appliances are environmentally-friendly and are energy and cost efficient.
A properly insulated home will consume less energy than one that is not. Insulate your home to keep the temperature throughout your home consistent. Your air conditioner and heater will have to work less because the walls, floors, and ceilings trap in the cool or warm air better.
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You should check for gaps around doors and windows. Also check other parts of your home for holes or cracks where cool or warm air could escape. Seal these holes and gaps to prevent air from escaping.
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Turn off appliances that are not in use. In addition to this, unplug them from the power socket. Unused appliances continue to draw on energy while they remain plugged. Your energy consumption and bill will be reduced if you make a habit of these actions.
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Replace your old or broken light bulbs with CFL or LED lights. These two new modern light bulbs are more energy efficient than the incandescent light bulb. Even though the upfront cost of CFL bulbs and LED lights are great, the long-term savings are greater.
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Make a habit of turning off lights if you are leaving a room for more than a couple of minutes. This can help you save money by reducing your energy consumption. Turning off the lights will also lengthen the lifespan of your bulbs.
Leaving on the lights outside your home throughout the night can use up energy. The lights can also disturb or confuse the natural wildlife in your area. Instead, opt to install motion sensors outside your home. You remain safe while saving energy.
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The idea behind this move is similar to counting calories. If you can monitor your energy consumption, then you can control it. There are many energy monitors on the market that you can choose from.
Energy conservation doesn’t have to hamper your lifestyle. It only requires you to make conscious and deliberate choices and a few modifications to the way you live. Once you get used to an energy efficient lifestyle, you won’t even bother looking back. Energy conservation can save you money while you are saving the earth and our power sources.
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