Basic Energy Saving Tips

Energy saving tips can often seem daunting and impractical. People get so accustomed to their habits that they can have a hard time imagining any other way of living. Many people also don’t realize just how much energy they use on a daily basis, even as they are going about their days and trying not to waste anything. There are many simple energy saving tips that can lead to tremendous savings in energy over the course of the year.

People as well as businesses can have multiple motives for saving energy, from simple economic necessity to general concerns about the environment and carbon footprints. People who are concerned about energy expenditures for environmental reasons may be discouraged about their ability to make much of a difference one way or another, regardless of their intentions. With environmental issues green house gasses, every little bit helps. Millions of people performing basic energy saving tips could make a huge difference, and even one person taking pains to ensure they do not use any more energy than they need to can have a tremendous impact. When it comes to simple economics, energy bills are a burden and a chore, and most people would jump at the chance to reduce them.

Energy Saving Tips for the home

Swapping your traditional light bulbs for more energy efficient flourescent models are great energy saving tips for homeowners and renters. Fluorescent lights are more efficient because they require less energy to produce the same amount of light.  They also generate less heat which is really just wasted energy.  With fluorescent lights, people can have the benefits of the same light they previously enjoyed, only this way, they will consume less energy in the process. It is important to research brands of replacement light bulbs, since many companies today are trying to sell products that are labeled as energy efficient, regardless of whether or not they actually are energy efficient. Many homeowners who purchase the right energy efficient light bulbs can make better use of the electricity they do consume. Energy efficient light bulbs also tend to last much longer than more traditional bulbs, making them a much better investment.

Weather stripping and insulation are other great energy saving tips for households to reduce expenses. All doors and windows should be checked for draughts.  Applying the appropriate weather stripping prevents heat from leaving the home in the winter, and keeps cool air in during the summer.

Some energy saving tips are much more direct. It is important not to leave lights on unless it is necessary. Leaving some lights on when you are outside of your home can be a reasonably good security measure, but it is unnecessary to leave all of them on, for instance. If you do prefer to leave some lights on, you can put them on a timer to reduce the number of hours that they are on.

Another at home energy saving tip is to unplug charging devices after your device has been charged.  Charging devices still use a small amount of energy, even when your device is fully charged. Although the individual household savings are small, if all charging devices were unplugged after use, it’s estimated that over 100 billion kw hours of electricity could be saved every year.

Many people are not in the habit of turning off the lights after leaving a given room, which can add up over the course of a year. When people do that on a wide enough scale, it can be a contributor to environmental problems by itself. A good rule of thumb when it comes to energy usage is not to take any energy you do use for granted. All energy comes at a price, to your self and to society at large, and using it appropriately is very important.

Today, many people own a lot of electronics, all of which consume large amounts of energy every time they are used. One of the beauties of modern laptops is that they can replace many other electrical devices: many people use their laptops for everything from watching movies to paying their bills. Laptop computers and flat screen computers typically use less energy than large desktop computers, and purchasing a computer that is specifically designed with an eye towards energy efficiency can make a huge difference over time. Many energy saving tips involve making informed consumer decisions and not falling into the same traps that accompany energy intensive habits. Many new electronics are energy efficient, and buying new models helps support the development of new and better technology.

Energy Savings Tips For Business

Energy consumption affects the bottom line for all businesses.  Finding the right combination of savings sometimes must be weighed against the cost to implement and maintain the solution.  Many large corporations have created energy efficiency organizations that are focused only on reducing energy costs.  The good news is that most of the same energy savings tips used at home can be applied to both small and large businesses.  

Installing LED’s or CFL’s is usually the first step in reducing energy costs for businesses. A business may choose the LED route over CFL’s because the lifespan of an LED light can be 5 to 6 times greater. However, the upfront cost on the LED is higher.

Installation of motion and occupancy sensors is another way for business to save energy.  These sensors take out the human element of leaving the light on in unoccupied rooms or areas.  Savings can be substantial, but again, the installation and material cost must be weighed against the estimated savings.

Much like upgrading to a more energy efficient refrigerator for a homeowner has its energy savings, replacing out of date equipment, or upgrading HVAC equipment for businesses are also good energy savings tips.

Many companies have started employee engagement programs to help educate employees about energy usage and the benefits of good habits such as powering down computers, turning off monitors, turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, and other energy saving tips.  This can be a very effective and low cost initial first step for business owners to take since it does not require the purchase or installation of equipment, yet can achieve tangible results.

In addition to the above the following energy saving tips can be looked at to reduce costs:

• Installing energy efficient windows
• Installing smart meters
• Adjusting heating and cooling sensor set points and timers
• Improving maintenance practices to help equipment run more efficiently
• Conducting energy efficiency audits to identify areas of improvement

Other Energy Saving Tips

Other Energy Saving Tips

Energy saving tips can extend beyond electricity. Most people use more energy driving than with almost anything else. Depending on where you live, there is little else you can do but drive everywhere. People who live in cities with good public transportation could at least consider substituting some of their driving for public transportation, but not everyone has that option. People who are all traveling to the same destination on a regular basis could consider carpooling if they are able to do so, which can also be a fun social activity. People with the financial stability to do so could consider buying hybrid or electric cars when purchasing new automobiles. The Internet is making it easier to work at home, and people who work at home will often use less fuel just as a matter of course.

There will be newer, even more efficient vehicles in the future that people will be able to consider, since sustainability is a new trend in business. The transition to sustainability will be easier for people who work on energy saving in the meantime. Working the principles of energy saving into your daily life can make a huge difference by itself. Both economic planning and energy saving tips involve small, calculated decisions about the allocation of essential resources and assets.