Energy conservation is a hot topic these days, and with good reason- why not learn how you can easily and efficiently lower your monthly electricity bill? Electric companies like IDT Energy offer personalized advice on how to do just that, so you may want to contact your energy provider before making and significant changes on your own.
There are some simple alterations that you can make on your own, however, such as switching light bulbs and adding lamps. Most people use incandescent light bulbs, which are much less effective than fluorescent. In fact, incandescent bulbs use up to 80% more energy than fluorescent ones, and have a much shorter life span. Some people may claim that fluorescent bulbs are too white and are unpleasant, but in fact fluorescent bulbs can come in many colors, and it can be hard to differentiate between those and the regular yellow, incandescent bulbs.
Adding small lamps or nightlights to specific areas in a house can also reduce energy use at home. Just be sure to turn them off and unplug them while they’re not in use.
Companies like IDT Energy know that if you use your appliances properly, with a little extra effort you can significantly lower your energy costs. Here is a short video that shows a few things that you can do on your own. For more information and tips, contact your energy provider.
Whether you use IDT Energy or another electric company, these simple tips can go a long way in lowering your monthly energy bill:
• Replace regular incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs), and save up to 75% of lighting costs
• Be sure to unplug electronics when they are not in use. These include microwaves, televisions and battery chargers. Together, the phantom power used could power your refrigerator!
• When you can, do the wash in cold water. At least 85% of energy used for the machine goes to water heating.
• Only run your laundry and dishwasher when they are fully loaded.
• Monitor your dryer’s outside vent and be sure to remove lint whenever necessary. If you are shopping for a new dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor.
• If you shop for new appliances, buy ones that are ENERGY STAR qualified. These are 40% more efficient.
Companies like IDT Energy would certainly agree that it’s never too early to start teaching your children about conserving water and energy. Showing them simple ways to lower the energy bill and help the environment will increase your child’s awareness and feeling of personal responsibility. Here is a cute video which shows kids how they can help save energy on a day-to-day basis.
Where your power comes from needn’t be such a mystery. Now that there is the possibility in New York for consumers to choose their power supply company, IDT Energy is striving to keep the public informed about all the issues surrounding electricity, natural gas and their uses. At IDT Energy we believe this knowledge should extend to how these power sources are produced.
In the case of electricity there are many methods of production. Electricity can be made at hydroelectric power stations, by solar or wind energy, by burning fossil fuels, and other methods. In most cases, with the notable exception of solar power, the primary energy source must somehow cause a generator to rotate, where mechanical energy is turned into electrical energy. At a hydroelectric plant the rushing water turns the generator using the force of gravity which pulls the water down, causing the turbine to rotate and the generator to turn. Other power plants use the same principles but using different sources of energy.
In order to arrive at the world we live in today, which is powered to a great extent by electricity, it took many people who toiled in the pursuit of knowledge and the discovery of ways to use that knowledge to the benefit of mankind.
Benjamin Franklin, with his famous kite and key experiment, first realized that lightning was electricity. Thomas Edison worked for years perfecting the first long-lasting incandescent light bulb. Nikola Tesla worked tirelessly to discover ways to generate, transmit and use alternating (AC) current over long distances.
Since those days of invention, discovery and progress we now take for granted the great, pioneering work or these inventors and scientists. Today, companies like IDT Energy help people to get the most out of these great achievements of the past by delivering the amazing source of energy, electricity, to our doorsteps today.
Small investments of time and money can pay off big in savings. IDT Energy suggests steps which anyone can take to reduce the money they spend on their power bills each month involving small cost and little effort on the part of the consumer.
Begin your savings journey with compact fluorescent bulbs. Change your old bulbs with these highly energy efficient lights, especially in the lamps and fixtures which you use the most. CFBs last 8-12 times longer than incandescent bulbs, and use only about 25% of the energy to create the same amount of light. Wait until the old bulbs expire and change to CFBs and watch your electricity bill begin to descend.
Approximately 56% of the energy used in the home goes towards heating and cooling systems. Companies like IDT Energy would advise that you try these simple tips to lower your monthly costs. First, try using fans during the hot summer months to create a breeze within your home.
If certain rooms are more crowded or hot, try adding a ceiling fan to go with your air conditioning, as it will allow you to raise the thermostat by at least 4 degrees with no discomfort. In general, it is recommended to install a programmable thermostat which can adjust the temperature according to your schedule.
Energy companies like IDT Energy will agree that most people are unaware of the fact that their lighting unnecessarily increases their energy costs. First, the majority of houses use incandescent light bulbs, which use up to 75% more than fluorescent ones, and have a much shorter life span as well. Secondly, it is important to get into the habit of turning lights off while leaving a room.
Using area lighting is another affective way to save energy. Instead of installing extra-bright bulbs to light up entire rooms, consider using smaller, energy conserving bulbs in lamps and nightlights to shed light on the desired area. During the day, keep the shades open and take advantage of the free, natural light from outside. If you use nightlights in hallways or children’s rooms during the night, be sure to turn them off and unplug them during the daylight hours.
Many people look at the big picture when it comes to energy conservation, but they don’t always realize the big differences that small changes can make. Certainly, switching energy providers and using a company like IDT Energy can save you money. Here are some interesting tips about saving energy with your freezer.
Keep your freezer at -18 degrees Celsius. For each degree that you go lower than this, the freezer uses 2% more electricity.
Keep that freezer stocked! A full freezer actually operates more efficiently than does an empty one.
Make sure that the door is sealed tightly and securely.
Keep a space of 5cm around your freezer on all sides so that the heat can circulate away from the compressor and condensing coil.
If you’re in the market for a new freezer, shop for one that is ENERGY STAR qualified or for a smaller chest freezer.
Finally, make sure to do proper maintenance on your freezer. This means that it needs annual cleaning and defrosting. If, prior to the annual cleaning, you see that ice is building up on the inside of the unit to more than ¼ inch, you should also defrost it at that time.
