Easy ways to be more energy efficient

Is it possible to be energy efficient and still be comfortable?

Achieving energy efficiency does not require that you endure uncomfortability or drastically reduce your lifestyle. Energy efficient action plans do not mean using no energy or moving to an unheated cabin in the woods without electricity or running water.

Energy efficiency involves the wise use of all forms of energy. This includes electricity, heat and air conditioning, clothes washers and dryers, lighting, gasoline use reduction, water heating, and many other indirect energy usage creators.

Consider food, for example. The average distance food travels to reach your supermarket, restaurant, or home is 1,500 miles! Think about the energy used for transport, refrigeration, storage, display, and packaging. Massive energy use. Compare this with buying produce at your local farmer's market. You are energy efficient and, if anything, have improved your lifestyle with better tasting food.

Reducing your heating thermostat a few degrees or raising your air conditioning temperature by a few degrees will save a lot of energy – and money – over the course of an average year. You'll still be comfortable and cozy. Energy efficiency is easy and involves more common sense than money or uncomfortability.

Easy ways to be energy efficient and still enjoy life

Assuming a move to a bare bones cabin in the wilderness without heat, electricity, or running water is not one of your top energy efficient options, here are some tips that will allow you to conserve energy, save money, and still be comfortable.

• Install a programmable thermostat. One of the best energy efficient items available at relatively low cost and high effectiveness is a programmable thermostat. By programming your heat or air conditioning to operate differently when you are home and conserve energy when you are not, you can save money all year long.
  
  
• Weather-strip and caulk. Sealing air leaks is very important to energy conservation. By installing weather-stripping and caulking, all potential air escaping or inviting leaks can save big dollars and lower your cost. You can often save as much as 10% of your total home energy cost by sealing leaks.
  
  
• Lower your hot water temperature. Many hot water heaters are set to a temperature that is both too high and energy wasteful. Reduce your temperature to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or less. If it works for you, try a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Your water will by very warm, won't burn you, and save large amounts of energy.
  
  
• Buy home appliances with the Energy Star seal of energy efficiency. Appliances with this "seal of approval" indicate that you are using an energy efficient item that performs just as well or better than similar appliances that are energy hogs.
  
  
• When you replace your desktop computer, consider buying a laptop. Laptops use much less electricity than typical desktop PCs. Recently, laptop sales became larger than desktop sales for the first time in history. You can become a contributor to energy savings by becoming a proud laptop PC owner.
  
  
• Use power strips or unplug your home electronics. Most people are unaware of a surprising statistic: Up to 75% of the electricity used by electronics and kitchen appliances is consumed while the products are turned off! This continual power draw is stopped if you use power strips and turn the switch to off. Unplugging electronics and appliances will accomplish the same goal – stopping the flow of electricity.
  
  
• Clean the dryer filter after each load. This helps improve airflow and dries your clothes faster.
  
  
• Air-dry your clothes whenever possible. While many manufacturers recommend this for their products, you should consider air drying whenever the environment cooperates.
  
  
• Be sure the "power management" feature is activated on your computer. These energy conserving features must be activated to work and often they are deactivated.
  
  
• Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones. You can save energy, money, and reduce contributing potentially dangerous trash to the environment.

There are also some newer innovations that you'll find. For example, there are clothes dryers available with moisture sensors. They will tell you when your clothes are dry, saving you time and a great deal of wasted energy. When it's time to replace your dryer, consider one of these energy and money savers.

These are some easy and inexpensive ways to be energy efficient and still remain comfortable. There are other easy ways to reach your goal. Use the Internet and helpful websites, like e-Wisdom.com, to get more tips and energy saving suggestions.