Daily Eco Friendly Tips
Computer Equipment: USA Today recently reported that the power wasted while computers are sitting idle overnight really adds up. One study finally tried to measure it. They estimated $2.8 billion is wasted on excess energy costs each year in the U.S. alone. On a CO2 basis, that’s 20 million tons of carbon dioxide, about the amount produced by 4 million cars on the road. In order to put wasted energy in terms that are more easily understood, the study (http://www.1e.com/energycampaign/index.aspx) offers the following analogy: A company with 1,000 PCs left on overnight could save about $28,000 a year if the PCs are turned off after hours.
Turn off your computer to save energy and wear and tear on your computer hardware. Set up the sleep mode by changing your PC’s energy settings or install an energy-saving application so that it automatically sleeps when you’re not using it. The Department of Energy suggests turning off the monitor if you aren’t going to use it for more than 20 minutes. Shut down the entire system if you don’t plan to use it for more than 2 hours. Use a surge protector power strip with an on/off switch and just press and go on your way out the door.
Household
Laundry: 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating the water. Wash laundry in cold water. Turing your washing machine dial to cold will help conserve energy and save on your electric bill.
Water Heater: The water heater is the second largest energy consumer in the home and using it efficiently can add up to big savings. With an automatic dishwasher, the hot water heater setting can safely be lowered to 130-140 degrees. If the automatic dishwasher has a water temperature booster, the water heater temperature can be set to 110-120 degrees. If your house will be vacant for two or more days, lower the temperature of your water heater until you return. If you have a new water heater, drain a few gallons from your tank every six months to remove sediment that accumulates and reduces the heater’s efficiency. If you only use your hot water once or twice a day, consider installing a timer on the hot water heater and set it to run two hours in the morning and in the evening.
Most new water heaters are already insulated. But if you have a heater that is more than five years old try wrapping a fiberglass blanket around it or install a ready-made insulation kit and you can save up to 10% on water heating costs. Insulate hot water pipes to reduce heat loss as the hot water is flowing to your faucets.
Lighting: Use smart, efficient ways to conserve energy that you don’t even have to think about. Use electric timers on hot water heaters and motion sensors or timers on indoor and outdoor lights. Set them to be on only at certain times of the day when they’ll be needed. Using this method you won’t be drawing and using electricity when it’s not needed throughout most of the day.
Automotive
Car: Make sure your car is properly maintained. Keep your car tuned up and the tires properly inflated. This will not only help ensure your car keeps running efficiently it can also help with gas mileage. If you don’t need a car to get to where you are going don’t use one out of habit. Walk, ride a bike or take public transportation whenever possible. Ride it to work, to run errands, or to have fun. When you ride a bike everyone benefits. You help conserve limited oil resources, you’re not polluting and you are getting some exercise.
Fuel: Try to save on C02 emissions and fuel by maintaining a consistent speed and don’t go over the speed limit. Rapid acceleration and unnecessary breaking can decrease fuel economy. Remember, there’s always cruise control.