In the summertime dessert, how much more can we cut down on power usage?
We do set the sleep timers on TVs and stereos, keep lights off when not in use, sprinklers only come on for 10 minutes each evening--what else?
Answer:
Use insulating blinds on all of your windows.when it is cool at night turn of the air and open the doors and windows.
Also change the type of power strips that you use for your electronics. Even though you use the sleep timers and things the power strip and the electronic device if powered by a remote use power called "phantom loads" what this means is that your tv or other device is using power waiting to be turned on. There are power strips that you can buy that lower the "phantom load" problem. I cannot think of what they are called at the moment. You can get them at most hardware stores or online stores;.
Use a digital programable thermostat. Put white heavy shades or curtains in each window... consider putting shutters on the windows as well. save any liquid that is left over from meals or cooking... use that to water plants inside and outside the house. Have house plants they put off oxygen and use extra carbon dioxide in the house. Eat cold salads... tuna, salmon, ham, chicken using canned meats (less cooking that heats the house), tomato, pasta, Invest in extra socks, underclothing, wash cloths etc.(won't have to wash as often) and when you do they is usually a little extra room for a few more of these items in the wash. Wash socks, undies and light weight clothing in the sink with woolite and hang outside to dry. Only use 1 TV if possible when you can. If you use ceiling fans make sure you turn them to winter spinning in the winter and summer spinning in the summer. Use light colored sheets and light weight ones. Drink plenty of water. Also you can use a cool damp towel to hang around the back side of your neck inside the house as well as outside to help keep you cool. Also consider using solar power to save energy there. If I think of anything else I will add it later.. lol Hope you stay cool and use less electricity..
Get a swap box to cool down the air in your house,it only work in dry climates.
It sounds like you are doing a pretty good job of reducing your energy use. The only one thing that comes to mind is to try to push to zero (or near zero) power usage by looking into solar power. This is initially an expensive investment but the benefit in savings to your energy bills and aid in the form of tax credits are immediate. Unfortunately this is really only an option for homeowners but I think everyone should look into it... its sustainable and saves you money in the long run.
Here are some links;
http://www.heliopower.com/products.html#...
http://www.valley-solar.com/?gclid=cklw8...
Great Link to build a small portable AC or DC solar generator, this could run small household appliances and electronics for a MINIMAL investment.
http://www.rain.org/~philfear/how2solar.
Good luck
If you live in a home you own, make sure you have adequate attic insulation. Many homes in Arizona have as little as R-30 when R-49 is really what the current standard is.
When time comes to replace your central air conditioning system, get a high SEER rated unit. I replaced a 13 year old 10-SEER unit with an 18-SEER unit and my a/c bills have dropped by more than 50%.
Plants that shade your home can help
The single most important thing to do is get some green leaves between your home and the sun. Natural shade is the most energy efficient method of reducing energy consumption during the summer months.
Find tall shrubs or trees which can be planted in your area. Water these with soap free kitchen waste water when possible. Consider installing deep cisterns for collecting what little water is provided as rain.
Add Insulation. Above the ceiling and in the walls.
Replace older less efficient cooling units. Replace tungsten light bulbs. Rethink how you use your refrigerator and/or freezer. Could a smaller unit be used for common items.
Consider solar powered water heating and/or electrical boosting. Windmills could also help in some cases.
solar solar solar solar solar. find a way to get it.
well the sun is scorching... so it's obviously there and can charge solar panels...
it may be a costly initial investment but it pays for itself quickly especially with electricity prices rising...
and of course it helps the environment A LOT.
Also make sure your house is well insulated because you may be losing lots of your cool air for no reason... a waste in electricity.
Also just because it is hot outside does not mean it must be freezing inside, same goes vice versa, just because it is cold outside, does not mean it should be hot inside. Keep your house at a moderate temperature, not at an extreme one opposite of the outside temperature.
I know in cars, having clean air filters saves MPG, so I would assume keeping your air filters in the home would also make it more efficient.
Lots of good tips... the best tip is to save on the biggest energy consumer you have - the airco.
Think about it. Heat that does not enter your house does not have to be removed. Can you grow plants (possibly wall-climbing plants) on the side of your house?
Can you get a green roof (covered with succulents)?
Both are worth watering because in this case, a little water saves a lot of energy.
Do you need the airco all day? Or can you bear the heat during the day and run it when you go to sleep? Does it cool down at night? Cool the house down for free (open windows) at night and keep everything shut! during the day.
No open doors or windows.
Shades are the best and cheapest airco's.
I hate cutting down on energy. Cant we just make energy in an environmentally friendly way and then we dont have to be guilty using it? As if driving less is now good for the enviornment as apposed to a true solution to the problem. True solutions is what works not heading slower in a bad direction.
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