Energy Conservation
Energy conservation is the practice of decreasing the quantity of energy used.
It may be achieved through efficient energy use, or by reduced
consumption of energy.
Through energy conservation, we can realize increases in personal and business finance, environmental value, economic security, and most important, human comfort and security.
Through reductions in energy consumption and energy demand, we begin to curtail growth in energy supply needed to keep up with population growth. These reductions result in keeping current energy rates from increasing and less dependence on energy imports.
Renewable energy solutions thus become directly related to energy conservation by harnessing the sun, wind, and water and reducing our demand for fossil fuels.
Energy conservation is often the most economical solution to energy shortages.
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Electric Usage Reduction Guide
- Monitor usage with utility bills. Use Killowatt Meter to check appliances and phantom loads.
- Phantom loads can be stopped with Smart Strips, power strips and/or timers. (Computers, entertainment centers and cable
boxes are major culprits.)
- Replace energy hog refrigerators and freezers with best rated energy star models.
- Clean coils behind and under refrigerator at least twice a year. Insulate or move refrigerator from any heat source. Keep
freezer in a cool place.
- Carpet sweepers, dust pan and broom replace use of 800-1000 watt vacuum cleaner.
- Replace old washing machine with low water consumption, high speed spin cycle models.
- Wash and dry on minimum settings and wash maximum amount of clothes per load. Avoid washing towels before they are dirty.
- Hang clothes to dry: Use clothesline in summer and rack in winter.
- Conserve water: Fix drips, use low flow toilets and water saving washing machines. Use rain barrels for gardens.
- Replace all regularly used lights with compact fluorescents and LEDs.
- Outdoor lighting: Use solar lights, LEDs, CFLs and motion detectors.
- Adapt strict "Lights Off" policy if you or others are not in a room.
- Use natural daylight whenever possible.
- Conserve heat: Weatherize and keep thermostat as low as possible.
- Replace electric heaters with solar, biofuel, natural gas, or propane space heaters.
Become aware of your power usage. Make a list of monthly usage and challenge yourself to reduce the total kw consumption for one
month. It will empower you to strive for even more savings.
Did you know…For every kw-hour (kWh) of electricity you avoid using saves over one and a half pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) from
entering our atmosphere.
Install a Solar Hot Water system. You can produce on a yearly average of up to 80% or more of your hot water to yield huge
savings.
After reducing your overall kWh consumption, you are now ready for a Photovoltaic electricity system. Produce your own electricity
through solar energy and enjoy the huge monthly savings.
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