Post by queenbee on Apr 16, 2008 9:59:27 GMT -4
Maximize lightbulbs. Get 50% more light from your lightbulbs by dusting them regularly. To safely clean bulbs, turn off the light and let the bulb cool before dusting. With their patented "grab and hold technology,"
Rearrange lighting. Situate lamps in the corner of rooms so that they shine on two walls simultaneously. This will increase the room's brightness and decrease the number of lightbulbs needed. (Also place lights in front of a mirror fo rmore lighting (bee tip)
Cool your fridge. Keeping your refrigerator fully stocked will lower its overall temperature (and thus your electric bill) since food, once cooled, acts as a natural temperature regulator.
Downgrade your ice. Save 14-20% on your electric bill by turning off your energy-guzzling icemaker and using ice trays instead.
Batten down the damper. Leaving a fireplace damper open can raise your total heating costs 5-15%. When fireplace is not in use, close the damper and seal openings around the hearth and firebox with caulking materials made for fireplaces.
Take a shower. A family of four can save heating up to 200 gallons of water a week just by taking a shower instead of a bath.
Heating on vacation. If you leave town for a weekend or longer, save money by turning off the water heater that no one will use. Or, just reset its thermostat to the lowest setting; it will only take an hour to heat up again when you return.
Install a timer. Save on lights by installing a timer switch that will automatically turn off the lights at pre-set times. If you are traveling during the holidays, use them as security timing to make it appear you're at home. A plug-in timer can turn a lamp or radio on and off several times a day.
Seal your baking. Improve the heat retention of your oven by keeping the seal clean between the oven door and cabinet; it helps the seal stay tight.
Plug the drain. A family of four can save about 2,500 gallons of water a year by plugging the drain while washing hands and face. When you've finished soaping, empty the sink, then refill with warm water for a quick rinse.
Rearrange lighting. Situate lamps in the corner of rooms so that they shine on two walls simultaneously. This will increase the room's brightness and decrease the number of lightbulbs needed. (Also place lights in front of a mirror fo rmore lighting (bee tip)
Cool your fridge. Keeping your refrigerator fully stocked will lower its overall temperature (and thus your electric bill) since food, once cooled, acts as a natural temperature regulator.
Downgrade your ice. Save 14-20% on your electric bill by turning off your energy-guzzling icemaker and using ice trays instead.
Batten down the damper. Leaving a fireplace damper open can raise your total heating costs 5-15%. When fireplace is not in use, close the damper and seal openings around the hearth and firebox with caulking materials made for fireplaces.
Take a shower. A family of four can save heating up to 200 gallons of water a week just by taking a shower instead of a bath.
Heating on vacation. If you leave town for a weekend or longer, save money by turning off the water heater that no one will use. Or, just reset its thermostat to the lowest setting; it will only take an hour to heat up again when you return.
Install a timer. Save on lights by installing a timer switch that will automatically turn off the lights at pre-set times. If you are traveling during the holidays, use them as security timing to make it appear you're at home. A plug-in timer can turn a lamp or radio on and off several times a day.
Seal your baking. Improve the heat retention of your oven by keeping the seal clean between the oven door and cabinet; it helps the seal stay tight.
Plug the drain. A family of four can save about 2,500 gallons of water a year by plugging the drain while washing hands and face. When you've finished soaping, empty the sink, then refill with warm water for a quick rinse.