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Q.
Do
dimmers save energy?
A.
Dimming
a bulb by 25% uses approximately 20% less energy, and it
will help extend bulb life by up to 4 times as well.
Q. How
can I reduce my energy bill?
A.
There
are a few things you may do to lower your electrical energy
consumption.
1.
Unplug seldom used appliances, like an extra refrigerator in
the basement or garage that contains just a few items. You
may save around $10 every month on your utility bill. Unplug
your chargers when you're not charging. Keep them unplugged
until you need them.
2.
Enable the "sleep mode" feature on your computer, allowing
it to use less power during periods of inactivity. Configure
your computer to "hibernate" automatically after 30 minutes
or so of inactivity. The "hibernate mode" turns the computer
off in a way that doesn't require you to reload everything
when you switch it back.
3.
Set your thermostat in winter to 68 degrees or less during
the daytime, and 55 degrees before going to sleep (or when
you're away for the day). During the summer, set thermostats
to 78 degrees or more. Ceiling fans can make a room feel
much cooler without using nearly as much electricity. This
allows you to keep your thermostat a little higher in the
summer. During the winter, you can reverse your ceiling fan,
which will push the warm air back down.
4.
Set your refrigerator temperature at 38 to 42 degrees
Fahrenheit; your freezer should be set between 0 and 5
degrees Fahrenheit. Use the power-save switch if your fridge
has one, and make sure the door seals tightly. Don't preheat
or "peek" inside the oven more than necessary. Check the
seal on the oven door, and use a microwave oven for cooking
or reheating small items. Wash only full loads in your
dishwasher.
5.
Don't forget to flick the switch when you leave a room. Use
motion sensor lights inside and outside of your home. Use
compact fluorescent energy saving light bulb where possible. |
