Urban Blog

So many simple things can be done to reduce the energy consumption at home. Home owners fail realizing how wasteful some of their habits could be. Here are several very basic changes that will result in drastic reduction of the energy consumption.

1. Replace Old Devices

Energy Star-certified appliances and devices use less energy than old pieces. Replacing your kitchen appliances is a great idea. You will have to invest in new pieces but the appliances will pay themselves off due to the energy saving.

2. Unplug Devices You are not Using

Appliances, gadgets and personal devices are often left plugged, even when not in use. Believe it or not, this practice leads to the significant waste of energy.
The energy used by appliances that are left plugged without working is often called “phantom load.” According to some statistics, US households pay approximately three billion dollars per year on phantom load. The solution is very simple and very efficient.

3. Clotheslines Save a Lot

Using clotheslines to dry clothes can reduce the energy consumption of a household by as much as five percent.
The simple clothesline can easily replace the dryer. All that you need is a rope that can be purchased from any department store.

4. Improve the Basement

Basements that are not insulated can lose large amounts of heat. The same applies to cracks and apertures in the basement walls. Try to figure out whether there is draft because you will be using large amounts of energy to compensate for the lost heat.

5. Motion Sensors

Instead of having lights on all of the time, install motion detectors. This way the light will be on solely when you are passing by.
Motion detectors are perfect for outdoor systems. Apart from saving energy, you will be boosting the security of your home.

6. Do Mobile Computing

Did you know that a laptop needs less energy to run than a desktop computer? Next time you decide to buy a computer, go for the laptop. There are powerful and highly functional possibilities that deliver performance comparable to the one of a desktop computer.
Laptops use approximately six times less energy than desktop computers. When in sleep mode, they also waste less energy than the desktop PC.

7. Plant Trees in the Garden

Trees will improve the appearance of your backyard and they will also decrease the amount of money you spend on cooling your home during the summer.
Trees create shade and according to some statistics, planting a few trees in your backyard can reduce your electricity bill during the summer by as much as 40 percent. Additionally, trees planted approximately one foot away from the house can “guard” the walls against cold, as well.

Saving energy is all about changing your mentality and daily habits. Learning something as simple as unplugging devices can significantly affect your electricity bill. You will be doing something good and you will be saving money – could anything beat those benefits?