Lighting is an easy place to start. Replace your five most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ENERGY STAR qualified lights and/or compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs. Also, make sure your turn off your lights when leaving a room.
Saving Summary:
- ENERGY STAR qualified lights save more than $65 a year in energy costs
- CFL light bulbs use 75% less energy and last 6-10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs
- Turning off just one 60 watt incandescent bulb (that would burn 8 hours a day) can save about $15 per year
If possible, install a programmable thermostat to adjust temperature settings automatically.
Saving Summary:
- If used properly, a programmable thermostat can save up to $150 a year in energy costs
Electronic equipment use energy even when switched off. Unplug any battery chargers or power adapters when not in use. Also, use a power strip as a central station, which you can use to turn off multiple electronics. Using a power strip for electronic equipment allows you to disconnect the power supply from the power source, eliminating “standby power consumption.”
Make sure all your air vents are clear of furniture. If your Albuquerque home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. In the winter, this will help heat the room instead of the wall.
You have enough expenses to worry about. Hopefully you can save some money by utilizing these tips.