Conserving Energy and Cash at Home

With the weight of rising Gas prices, pressing harder than ever on Americans wallets, we have been forced to seriously consider how we can cut costs as individuals and as a nation. We are also daily seeking ways to conserve our natural resources.

The best way to go out and save the world from using its limited resources, is to start with your own family in your own home. It is definitely the little things, you do that can make a huge difference.

First, as simple as it seems, check all windows and doors and make sure that they are all sealed and locked properly. Windows are made with a certain seal that blocks air seeping through. When they are not properly fastened, the warm air can get in causing your A/C to work that much longer to cool the house.

Another A/C tip is to make sure that your air conditioner is the proper size for the type of room or house you are cooling. The wrong size air conditioner will use more electricity and increase your bills. A unit that is too large for a given area will cool the area too fast and too often, causing the air conditioner to frequently turn itself on and off. If a unit shuts off quickly, chances are it hasn't been running long enough to reduce the room's humidity and you'll be uncomfortable. If your air conditioner is too small, it will run constantly on hot days without ever totally doing the job.

As much energy as it takes to pump heating and air, you should really consider quality insulation for the attic and for the walls of your home. Insulating a home is like putting on a sweater or jacket when we're cold...instead of turning up the heat. The outer layers trap the heat inside, keeping it nice and warm, while doing the opposite in the summer for the A/C.

In the kitchen, keep the refrigerator away from anything that gives off heat (ovens and dishwashers, microwaves), windows, and heating ducts. Direct contact with heat forces the unit to work harder and longer, causing it to use up even more energy.

Unplug power strips and appliances when they are not being used, especially if they are big energy items. Although they may be turned off, the "standby" energy used is equal to that of a 75 watt light bulb running continuously.

It is up to each of us to do our part in our own lives to save energy. If you will start with some of these small things, you could seriously see big results in wallet, and also your world. Consider hiring an electrician to help you maximize your conservation efforts.

By Christopher Chism