Tips to trim energy use at home
Consuming 15% less helps planet, saves you money
And it's costing our planet, too. The majority of the electricity we use is produced at coal-burning plants, which release tons of carbon-dioxide emissions into the earth's atmosphere, trapping the sun's heat and contributing to global warming.
The good news: If every household in the United States were to cut its energy consumption by 15 percent, about 200 coal-powered plants could be retired. In addition, you would pocket $150 to $250 a year.
Kitchen appliances account for more than a quarter of the electricity consumed by U.S. households.
• Refrigerators are the biggest offender. Equip it and the freezer with thermometers, keeping the refrigerator at 36 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer at zero to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Any colder, and you are using more energy than necessary.
• If you've had your fridge for more than a decade, consider buying a new Energy Star model. That upgrade can save you $75 to $100 per year on electricity. (Energy Star is run by the Environmental Protection Agency in connection with the U.S. Department of Energy; it recognizes consumer goods that meet its standards for efficiency. It also rates home electronics, heating and cooling equipment, office equipment, and lighting, look for its logo when you're in the market for other items, such as a new television, air conditioner, computer monitor, or lamp.)
• When cooking, use a toaster oven or microwave for single dishes and reheating instead of a full-size oven.
• Run your dishwasher only when it's full. Turn its heat-dry function off, and you'll save even more.
• Run your washer and drier only when you have a full load of laundry. If you have to wash a small amount, use the small-capacity setting, which cuts water use by as much as 50 percent.
Any appliance with a clock, light, or remote uses energy continuously, as does any sort of charger when plugged in. These phantom power losses account for 5 percent to 15 percent of your electricity usage.
• If you need a clock in the kitchen, hang one on the wall and unplug your coffeemaker, microwave, and other countertop appliances between uses.
• For rechargeable items, set up a station to plug all cell phones, MP3 players, and personal digital assistants into one power strip. Charge them when you get home, and then turn off the strip when you go to bed.
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