Summer Power-Saving Strategies for Your Home

We all know that our summers get very hot, so now is a good time to implement power-saving strategies in your home.

Here are five easy ways to save electricity this summer:

1. Unplug. Electronic appliances and devices use energy even if they’re switched off. The average home has four or five dozen of these devices (yes, I said dozen), which add greatly to your monthly electric bill. To stop your electronic devices from drawing power when not in use, unplug them. For a more convenient solution, plug as many devices as possible into power strips. When the equipment is not in use, turn the switch on the power strip off.
2. Shut off your computer. Turn off the monitor if you aren’t going to use your computer for more than 20 minutes. If you’re not going to use your computer for more than two hours, turn off both the base unit and the monitor. A computer produces heat so turning it off will reduce your home’s electric bill even further this summer.
3. Stop using your stove. A microwave is the most energy-efficient method of cooking. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove. You can also grill outdoors, cook with a slow-cooker or use a toaster oven to save energy.
4. Fill up the fridge and freezer. Having lots of food in your fridge and freezer keeps them from warming up too fast when the door is open. That way your fridge and freezer don’t have to work as hard to stay cool. Unplug and recycle that spare fridge or freezer in the garage if you don’t really need it.
5. Wash with cold water. Do your laundry more energy efficiently by using the warm or cold water setting for washing your clothes. Always use cold water to rinse clothes.

Links:

Save electricity this summer

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/summer.html

Slow cooker

http://slowandsimple.com/

Toaster oven

http://liambean.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-lower-your-electric-bill-Mines-is-sky-high