energy saving tips
Requirement 4b of the Energy merit badge reads:
b. Describe ways you and your family can use energy resources more wisely. In preparing your discussion, consider the energy required for the things you do and use on a daily basis (cooking, showering, using lights, driving, watching TV, using the computer). Explain how you can change your energy use through reuse and recycling.
“It’s unfair to put the burden of ’saving the earth’ on a 12-year old. But we can do little things that help to keep our own families on budget. They add up. (E)”
“While I (D) think much of the current global warming…er, “climate change” is fabricated, we are still supposed to be good stewards. With that in mind, here are some ways we came up with to conserve energy:”
Easy:
* Turn off (or sleep) the computer at night.
* Turn off lights when not in use.
* When it’s cold, put on socks and a hat rather than immediately going for the heater.
* Use an extra blanket at night, and turn the heat down (or off).
* Open the curtains when the sun is shining, and close them when it’s not. (vice-versa in the summer)
* Fill your crockpot with hot water and let it slowly evaporate. It keeps the kitchen surprisingly warm for very little money. Use your crockpot more for cooking, too.
* Cut your shower time by 1 minute.
* Vacuum the filter in the air conditioner or heater.
* Use the “one up, two down” rule for elevators. If it’s only a flight (or two), use the stairs.
* Unplug things not in use. It’s better from a safety standpoint, too. This probably isn’t going to save you enough to retire, but every penny counts.
A little more effort:
* Use CFL lightbulbs (if the flicker bothers you, use CFL with a small incandescent reading light; and, again, check with your power company about possible rebates).
* Lower the thermostat on the hot water heater — ONLY if people aren’t going to run the water until it’s very hot, otherwise, you pretty much lose the savings.
* Except whites and stinky stuff, wash clothes on cold. They’re just as clean, plus they don’t fade.
* Fix weather stripping; install a strip on the bottom of drafty doors.
* Hang clothes on clothesline when it’s not raining. They smell better this way, anyway.
* Most people in western Washington don’t use a/c (except maybe in August), but using fans could save money if you do.
* Build a solar oven! Fun project, and it costs nothing to operate.
* Get up earlier, and go to bed earlier. Use the sunlight to your advantage. Plus we all know what Benjamin Franklin said.
* Keep your freezer full and your refrigerator empty. You can always add ice to fill in the freezer.
Ask your parents:
* Buy energy-efficient appliances. Check with your local power company – many have decent rebates for switching.
* When replacing, rebuilding, or building new, consider going with natural gas.
* Make sure your attic is well-insulated to keep in your heat in winter.
* Use double-paned windows.
* Get a double-door cat door instead of leaving the window open for her.
* Paint the house a lighter color outside.
* Reroof with a metal roof when it comes time to replace it.
* Use LED Christmas lights. I think they look better, anyway.
What tips do you have to share?
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:44 am
[...] A sample energy audit can be found at the bottom of the Energy worksheet 4b. Here are some energy-saving tips put together by DD&E (no, that’s not an energy company – it’s three [...]