With home budgets still tight, here are more ideas on how to minimize spending through energy savings.
Don’t overstock on food. Buy only what you need, and keep a pantry for emergency dry and canned goods. Too much food in your fridge can minimize the energy efficiency of the appliance, even if it is compliant to Energy Star standards.
Blankets and drapes can keep you warm. Heavy drapes and blankets can keep you warm, aside from your thermostat. But don’t let blankets be a substitute for heating requirements – find a room temperature that is cool but not uncomfortable, and then use blankets when you sleep to help our body heat make for the difference.
As for heavy drapes, they work well in both cool and warm weather. It can block sunlight if it’s too warm and it can provide an added layer of insulation at night for windows.
Strategic lighting is important. You don’t need bright lights all over. A 5-watt CFL light can pump out 25 watts, which can be good for basic room lighting if you’re only watching television or talking with friends. Have a lamp where you normally read, if you wish to have more light. You can also make use of directed lighting fixtures so that you can use low-watt lighting to best advantage.
If possible, plan your movement around your apartment. If you are mostly in your kitchen or dining room, perhaps it’s best to plan activities around that area, so you can conserve by shutting down lights and lowering thermostat temperatures in other parts of the house or unit. For studio-types, you should plan around where electrical and heating are placed.
The right “tools” for the job can save energy. Even entertainment units and gadgets can help you lower your budget. If you’re not into heavy gaming or design work, choose a laptop that meets your requirements for the lowest power draw possible. The same goes for your television or flat screens – you don’t need an ultra-large unit if it will look outsized in your house or apartment.
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