- You should turn off any electronics you are not using. Many electronics have an automatic standby mode. However, even though they don’t use much electricity, it can add up over the course a year.
- Solar panels can be installed. They aren’t as inefficient or as useless as you might think. Although solar panels can be expensive to install, it is well worth it. In five years you will get your money back, and you can continue to save a lot over the next decades.
- You should evaluate your appliances. Do you really need a huge refrigerator if you live alone? Do you really need a washing machine large enough to wash your clothes? Do you really need a clothes drying rack if you live in a very dry area?
- Reevaluate your consumer electronics. Laptops and tablets use more electricity than phones, tablets, or laptops.
- A desktop computer is not necessary if you are only using the internet to check your email and surf the web. You can use an iPad or Surface Go instead.
- A gaming laptop is better for casual gamers than a gaming desktop.
- Are you really going to need a 4k screen? You might consider downsizing to a 1080p screen.
- It is time to replace your old air conditioner units. The majority of newer A/C units are energy-efficient and can help you cut down on your energy bills.
- Insulate. Insulate your home. The more insulation you have, the less you will need to rely upon your heater and A/C.
- Insulate your basement and attic.
- Double-pane windows are recommended.
- Put curtains and drapes on every window. Learn how to use them to control indoor temperatures.
- To insulate your floors, switch to carpet; if you are allergic to carpet bamboo has better insulation properties than most hardwoods and stones.
Water:
- Switch to tankless water heaters. Storage tank water heaters take a few minutes to heat water. This means that you are often wasting large amounts of water and gas. Tankless water heaters heat hot water as needed. You won’t have to wait for hot water to heat up, and you won’t waste any utilities.
- Switch to water-efficient fixtures. It will be surprising how little water you really need to do any task. You will be shocked at how inefficient your regular plumbing fixtures are once you switch to water-efficient toilets, shower heads and faucets. These fixtures can save you thousands of gallons per year.
- Be smart about washing dishes. You don’t have to wash dishes in the sink if you know that you will be washing them in a dishwasher. Simply throw the large pieces of food in the trash, and the dish will go directly in the dishwasher. If you only plan to wash a few clothes, a washing machine is not necessary. If you have the ability to wash clothes in large quantities, only use a washing machine.
- Smart irrigation is key. Sprinklers can be extremely wasteful. Sprinklers can spray too much water on areas with no vegetation. Install a drip irrigation system instead.
- Get water as early as possible in the morning.
- During rainy season, turn off irrigation systems
- Hand-water your plants whenever possible.
- Run-off is a sign that you are overwatering. Only soil should be moist.
- Artificial lawns are available. Artificial lawns are a great option. Many look very real and can last for many decades. They don’t require any water at all.
- If it’s not low enough, you can urinate in the shower or in the sink. To flush your toilet to remove fluids is a big waste of water. You can save many gallons of water by urinating in the shower and washing it off with running water.
Gas:
- Natural gas is cheaper than electricity. Appliances that can run on natural gas are almost always more efficient than those powered by electricity.
- Gas stoves are more efficient that electric stoves.
- Electric heaters are less efficient than gas heaters.
- Electric water heaters are less efficient than gas water heaters.
- Heat smart. You’re wasting money if you turn on the heater so that you can go around the house in the nude. Long-term, jackets and sweaters will be cheaper than utility bills.
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