How to reduce our energy consumption is partly common sense, but is also being smart about our purchases.

Using some of the following ideas will not only help to reduce our energy consumption, but may put more money in our pocket.

1) Install or increase insulation in our homes -check for areas which were never insulated.

2) Regularly replace air filters in our furnace. Dirty filters will reduce the efficiency of a furnace.

3) On an annual basis, schedule a professional furnace cleaning and maintenance call.

4) Replace caulk and/or weather stripping to seal air leaks in doors and/or windows.

5) Research and buy the highest rated energy star appliances.

6) Switch out all light bulbs to compact florescent light bulbs

7) When leaving a room, turn the lights off.

8.) Keep our computer turned off when it’s not in use. Using the Smart Strip LCG5 Energy Saving Power Strip with Autoswitching Technology and Modem/Coaxial Surge Protection or unplugging it, will save even more.

9) Unplug all small appliances when not in use.

10) At home, dress in warmer clothes to avoid turning up the thermostat

11) When sleeping, lower our thermostat to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

12) Install an energy star programmable thermostat

13) When sitting, watching TV, and/or reading, have blankets and/or throws handy to use .

14) Use styrofoam vent “plugs”, to keep cold air from entering the crawl space of our home. When spring arrives, remove the vent plugs to allow air movement under our home. Save the vent plugs, as they are reusable for the future. (The can be purchased at most home improvement stores)

15) LED lights use very little energy. Use them where ever possible, e.g. Christmas or holiday lights, under the counter lights, etc.

16) Close heat vents in rooms that are not being used. Then, close the door to avoid heating an unused room

17) Purchase and use ceiling fans to push warm air down….heat rises. Reverse the fans in the summer to cool a room.

18) Take advantage of natural heat. Close window blinds when the sun sets. Open them in the morning to let the sun shine in. This will produce more light and natural heat.

19) On older windows, install storm windows, or use a protective barrier

20) Use cold water to wash clothes.

21) When shopping for a new washer, consider a front loading HE (high efficiency) model. They use less water, less detergent, and energy.

22) When drying clothes, use the automatic sensor. The dryer will shut off when the clothes are dry.

23) Turn down the temperature of our hot water heater

24) Use an insulating “blanket” for our hot water heater. They can be purchased in home improvement stores.

25) Use heavy drapes in the winter months to avoid cold air from “seeping in” from windows

26) For the summer months, adjust the thermostat on our air conditioner so it runs less often.

27) Planting shade trees will also help to keep our home cooler in the summer months.

28) Clean and/or change filters in our air conditioner to keep them running at their highest efficiency level.

29) Have our air conditioner professionally cleaned and serviced on an annual basis.

30) Close window blinds in the summer to keep our home cooler.

Using these tips could potentially lower our energy costs as well as reduce our energy consumption.

The savings are good for us and the reduction of energy consumption is good for the environment.

Photo credit: lowjumpingfrog

“the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product”.

Ironically, carbon footprints are often the result of how much time we spend in our car. Hence, making our miles count and practicing efficiency is a great way to reduce our carbon footprint.

Some simple ways to save money as well as reduce your carbon footprint with your vehicle are:

1. Take a few extra minutes to plan your trips. Combine trips to the grocery store, with dropping the kids off at school, or with another set appointment. As often as possible, run your errands in circles, thus eliminating back tracking. Drive only when necessary.
2. Keep your tires properly inflated. If you’re not sure how to do this, most tire stores offer this service for free when you buy your tires from them. A hand held tire gauge is another great tool to keep handy.
3. Remove any car carriers you may have attached on the top of your vehicle. Keeping your vehicle as aerodynamic as possible can help to increase your miles per gallon.
4. Keep your car tuned up An improperly running car may cause an excessive use of gas as well as unnecessary wear on operating parts.
5. If possible, carpool with others and share the expense. Or, if you are running errands, ask friends and/or family if they need you to pick up something for them, or vice versa.
6. Use public transportation. Instead of driving, take the bus or train. Use this time to listen to music, read, write, etc. Many public services also offer discounts to seniors.
7. If time permits, walk instead of driving. With walking being such a great form of exercise, instead of driving to the corner store, put on your sneakers and enjoy the fresh air.

These a just a few ways to reduce our carbon footprint. For more great ideas, just search online for, “how to reduce our carbon footprint”.

Photo Credit: Lingaraj G J