This month, with the focus on energy, we want to encourage every homeowner to take action no matter how big or how small to conserve energy. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Cooking is like a puzzle. Match your pot to the size of your stovetop burner. Using smaller pots waste heat when used on large burners.
- Don’t soak. Take short showers instead of baths. If you want to save even more energy, use a low-flow showerhead.
- Power off, completely. If you aren’t in the room, turn off lights, TVs, computers, etc.
- Unplug battery chargers when not in use. Many chargers continue to burn energy even when the device isn’t plugged into the charger.
- Slow down. Drive safe and slow down. Not only is speeding dangerous, it wastes fuel too.
- Upgrade your thermostat. Using a programmable thermostat may save you an estimated $180 a year. It saves energy, too.
- Use cold water. Washing clothes with cold water can save you 40 cents per load.
- Forget the dryer. Dry your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack and save an estimated $252 a year.
- Ditch the incandescents. CFLs and LEDs are more energy-efficient and give off the same amount of light. More information can be found on our fact sheet.
- Get an energy audit. Find out where your home is using and losing energy. More than likely that lost energy is also costing you money. Learn more in this video.
Sources: Duke Energy, ENERGY STAR, Energy Information Administration, Choice Home Warranty
