Unplug your cable TV set-top boxes (including your Digital Video Recorders “DVRs”) when not in use, especially overnight. Your set-top box is a constant power drain that uses more energy per year than a refrigerator or central air conditioner. Most of that energy is completely wasted when no one is watching TV and no shows are being recorded. Lower your home’s energy consumption and your power bills by simply unplugging these energy hogs when not in use.
Wash your laundry in cold water. There’s really no need to use hot water to wash laundry. Today’s washing machines and detergents (even the regular kind) make cold water washing just as effective. 90% of the energy used by your washing machine goes towards heating the water. Wash everything in cold and you’ll see savings on your energy bills!
Wash full loads in the washing machine and the dishwasher. It takes the same amount of energy for these machines to run a full load as it does for a small load. Do one large load of laundry instead of two small loads and cut your energy usage in half!
Don’t rinse dirty dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Skip this unnecessary step and save time, energy and water (and money).
Fill your refrigerator and freezer. Empty space in your fridge means more room for warm air to come in every time the door opens. More energy will be needed to maintain the cooler temperature inside your refrigerator. You can help your refrigerator and freezer use less energy by keeping them full. Helpful Hint: Use water-filled containers to take up extra space. A well-packed refrigerator should be full, yet allow room for air to circulate. Tightly pack items in your freezer so they can help keep each other cold.
Have you tried any of these money- and energy-saving tips yet? What do you think? Share your favorite (easy) ways to save money on your energy bills in the comments.