Energy...wheter it's gas, oil, or electricity it seems
that the price keeps going up and up. Just yesterday I came to work
in the morning and gas was $3.39 a gallon, when I went home it was $3.59.
Where will it end, I am afraid no one knows.
You try to cut down on the amount of gas you use by
trying to combine trips, keeping your tires inflated and oil changed. To
cut down on oil you put on a sweater, use a blanket and cuddle with your
sweetheart. You also probably turn the heat down when you're gone for
the day.
But, what about electricity? With all of today’s technologies,
computers, printers, air conditioners, TVs, VCRs, and microwaves, consumers
are more “plugged in” than ever before. Nonetheless, the Alliance to Save
Energy predicts that these growing power demands could lead to power blackouts
and brownouts in years to come.
The Alliance urges businesses and consumers to be part
of the solution. Below are some tips you can follow to easily and comfortably
lighten the power load in your home — and cut energy bills too:
- Listen to your mother. ("What do you think — we own the
electric company?!") Turn off everything not in use such as lights, TVs,
printers and computers and unplug cell phone and battery chargers.
- Reduce utility bills by as much as 30 percent. Look for
the Energy Star label, the symbol for energy efficiency, when shopping for
major appliances, lighting, windows, and home electronics. Find retailers
near you at www.energystar.gov.
- Shift energy-intensive tasks, laundry and dishwashing,
to off-peak energy demand hours nights and weekends, and remember to do full
loads.
- Install CFLs. Replacing four 75-watt incandescent bulbs
with 23-watt fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) that use about two-thirds less energy
and last up to 10 times longer saves $190 over the life of the bulbs.
- Switch to cold water washing of laundry in top-loading
washing machines to save energy and up to $63 a year—detergents formulated
for cold water get clothes just as clean.
For more energy-efficient tips and information on how to save
money around the home, visit the Alliance to Save Energy at www.ase.org.