Save Electricity, Save Money, and Save the Planet
It’s a win–win–win situation! I recently lowered electricity usage and my bill about 25%. So can you. It was simple!
Saving power is patriotic, helps the planet, and saves you money!
The majority of electricity used in the United States is generated by power plants that use fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), release CO2 and contribute to global warming. Sadly only 2.4% of our electricity comes from renewable sources. And unfortunately we can’t depend on Congress to lead the country to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels (including mideast oil) and increase use of clean renewables. It’s up to us. And it is something we can do now, not twenty years from now! So the first thing we can do is use less electricity…its easy, you won’t notice a difference, and it will save you money.
Source: US Department of Energy
Compact fluorescent bulbs
First I replaced the traditional incandescent light bulbs with the new energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They cost a little more than regular light bulbs, but you make up the cost difference in no time. So that’s easy!
Unplug unnecessary electronics
The second thing I did was unplug all electronic equipment that I don’t regularly use. Believe it or not all our electronics, such as TVs, DVDs and CDs players, are on stand-by mode and still draw electricity even while we are not actually using them. You may think it’s just a little power so what’s the difference, but it adds up. So if you have a TV or DVD player in your guest room or someplace else in your home that you do not regularly use, unplug it.
Turn off powerstrips
The third thing is switch off the outlet powerstrip/surge protector to all my computer equipment. If you are like me that is drawing a lot of power: printer, modem, external hard-drive, computer. I am not using it while I am sleeping so why pay for the electricity. You can also purchase outlet powerstrips with timers. While timer on the power strip is drawing electricity, you will still be saving on the 5 or 6 other devices that are now really off.
Purchase electricity from renewable sources
Another thing we can do is to buy electricity from renewable sources. Many utility companies are offering residents the option to purchase electricity generated from renewable sources instead of traditional fossil fuels and nuclear sources. By choosing the GREEN Power option we increase demand for electricity from renewable sources. Check to see if your local utility offers GREEN Power options.
If I did it, so can you. Save money, use less fossil fuels, produce less CO2—I’m no expert, but it seems like a no brainer!
Good and useful information since I am trying to make the switch to fluorescent and don’t find it easy. I have can type ceiling fixtures which are limited to wattage by the heat the bulbs produce and would like a brighter bulb than I have now. Can I up the wattage safely with the fluorescents?
And in general I wonder if you could provide, or if you know where I could get, a list of the wattage ratios from incandescent to fluorescent?
Thanks. Jwrite
According to energystar.gov, compact fluorescent bulbs “produce about 75 percent less heat, so they’re safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.”
This site also provides wattage ratios:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls