Conserve Energy

We can use two main actions to conserve energy: we can have an efficient use of energy, by using energy saving products and technology, and we can reduce our consumption of energy.

We mentioned a few energy saving products on the previous page, now let's list a few methods you can use in your everyday life to conserve energy:

You can use your ceiling fans to cool the air, instead of air conditioning, on all but the hottest days. You can keep blinds and curtain closed during the times that the sun beats in through the windows. You can clean or replace furnace air filters, turn off unnecessary lights, put on a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat, and plant trees on sunny sides of your house to give some natural shade from the sun baking your house.

Run full loads in the washing machine instead of just throwing in your favorite jeans because you 'must' wear them today. Wring out clothes from the washer more completely before placing them in the dryer. Or instead of a dryer use the clothesline to dry laundry, even if you do this every second or third laundry load it will still help.

Check and clean drains of the dishwasher and load it fully before running. Do not over-fill the refrigerator, but also load it fully for efficient electricity consumption... having a huge fridge to keep only a case of beer cold is not the way to conserve energy, plan this better. Allow hot food to cool before placing in refrigerator. Buy space heaters manufactured after 1991 as they became more energy efficient.

Even more tips:

Switch off the lights when you leave the room or the premises.

Keep your air conditioner at a temperature comfortable for you. Heat or cool the rooms you utilize and keep doors, and vents, closed in the other rooms that are not being used. Service the air-conditioner regularly.

Turn off the computer or put it in sleep mode when not in use.

Fully load the dishwasher and washing machine before running.

Remove TV and other electrical components from AC vicinity.

Business establishments and local residents should use CFL bulbs as they last longer and consume less electricity.

Use energy generated by wind power or solar power.

For offices consider energy efficient computers, shut off the computer screen when not in use and unplug the entertainment systems when away.

Use alternative heat resources. Install passive or active solar heating systems. Geothermal heating systems are most modern. They use the earth’s heat to warm homes.

Use Hybrid cars that pump less carbon in air. Opt for car pools and save fuel.

And do some study yourself. We've just touched on the tip of the iceberg; there are sites and companies that specialize in providing you with hundreds of ways to conserve energy and find energy saving products.