As the temperatures dip to the single digits, the cost of utilities is a common topic of conversation. When the weather remains cold for a long time, as it has this winter, people start to look for ways to save energy.
A book called "547 Tips For Saving Energy In Your Home," written by Roger Albright (Diane Publishing, 1994) shows a 1990 study by the Pennsylvania State University on how energy is used in the home with the following percentages: heating of space 57.5; water heating 14.9; refrigerating 6.0%; cooking 5.5%; air conditioning 3.7%; lighting 3.5; television 3.0; food freezer 1.9; clothes drying 1.7; and other 2.3%
"It can be seen that the big energy users in the home are heating of space and water heating, totaling 72.4%," the author noted. "This is where the most can be accomplished in saving energy."
Here are some money-saving tips to help lower your utility bills.
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Gas savings. For every degree below 70 that you lower your thermostat you will save 3% on your heating bill. In winter take advantage of sun and open drapes to warm rooms. In summer, block sun with heavy drapes.ü
Gas fireplaces are enormous gas-guzzlers. Use only on very special occasions.ü
Wear sweaters. Use blankets for snuggling while watching television.ü
Stuff towels around windows and doors to block cold air.ü
Close doors of closets and unused rooms, block air vents.ü
Turn down temperature of hot water heater, check your manual for safety.ü
A shower can be 20 to 25% cheaper than soaking in a hot tub.ü
Open oven door after baking to take advantage of trapped heat to warm your kitchen.ü
Do not put aluminum foil in the bottom of your oven to catch spills. This can block vents and impair heat circulation. It can reduce oven temperatures by as much as 50 degrees and affect baking time.ü
Don’t peek. Checking on baking items by opening the oven door only once lets out 20% of the heat. Use a timer and look in the window.ü
Use your self-cleaning cycle of your oven sparingly. Turn it on while your oven is still hot immediately after you finish baking.ü
Substitute microwave cooking; this can cut your baking costs by as much as 50%.ü
Electricity, fluorescent orhalogen bulbs use less electricity than traditional bulbs. Use these only in places where the lights will be left on for long periods, such as outdoor fixtures or family room lamps. The greatest cost of these bulbs is when they are first turned on. It is not energy wise to use these in a hallway bulb that is turned off and on constantly.
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Replace larger watt bulbs with smaller wattage bulbs in bathrooms, hallways, and laundry rooms.ü
Put away the hair dryer and let hair dry naturally.ü
Pick up candles at garage sales and burn these instead of light bulbs for a romantic dinner.ü
Skip the drying cycle on the dishwasher. Pull both racks out; allow the dishes to air dry. This can save up to 45% of the cost of energy required to run the dishwasher.ü
Omit the pot scrubber cycle. Scrub pots by hand.ü
Start a policy of each person having his or her "own" glass or cup. Using the same cup will cut down on dishwashing.ü
Run only full dishwasher loads.
Making a few small adjustments can result in large utility savings.
Albright’s book can be found at Amazon.com for as little as $10 for a used copy, as well as some of his other energy-saving books.
Marenda Babcock is the author of several books on being frugal, including "Frugal Fun for Kids," "Frugal Cooking" and "Free Fun in Indiana." She can be reached at FrugalTime@aol.com.