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Further
Reading ...
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A New Pet For the Holidays? Say It Isn't So!
Many households dream of presenting a fuzzy dog or cat as a surprise gift for a special holiday. But holidays are typically very busy as everyone rushes about to get things done -- which isn't an ideal time to introduce a new member of the...
What Can We Do To Reduce Bullying?
(NC)-According to Family Services Canada, approximately 12% of children are bullies. Additional research confirms that bullying occurs frequently: once every seven minutes on the playground and once every twenty-five minutes in class...
Should I Give Up Me To Not Lose You?
The following article is offered for free use in your ezine, print publication or on your web site, so long as the author resource box at the end is included, with hyperlinks. Notification of publication would be appreciated. Title: Should I Give...
Boycotting Women
The beauty of being a woman today is being able to think for self. Unfortunately, some women are threatened by this right of being and make a point to discourage other women from exercising this personal freedom. Recently I received an email...
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How to Save Energy and Slash Electricity Bills
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Written By:
C Mwape
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Ways to Save Energy and Slash Electricity Bills
1. Lighting & Light Bulbs
Install low energy light bulbs in rooms you use regularly – they last up to 15 times longer than a normal light bulb and provide the same lighting for a quarter of the running cost. Turn off the lights when you leave a room for a long period and don't use several light bulbs where one will do the job. Teach all family members to turn off lights when leaving a room.
2. TV, Hi-Fi & Radio
Turn off the TV or video and hi-fi rather than leaving it on standby. Always use the television's on/off switch. Leaving the television on standby wastes energy.
3. Cooking
Microwave ovens reduce cooking time by 15% to 20% and save energy. When boiling vegetables, use just enough water to keep them covered. Use a jug kettle that has a water level gauge to ensure you only heat the amount of water you need. Cover saucepans with lids whenever possible to reduce the cooking time.
4. Home Laundry & Dishwashers
Save electricity by using old-fashioned clothesline for clothes drying. Avoid drying clothes on radiators as it lowers the room temperature, making your boiler work harder. Shut off dishwasher for dry cycle. Let your dishes "air dry". Don't use dishwasher or laundry equipment until you have a full load.
5. Fridges & Fridge Freezers
Make sure your refrigerator and freezer door seals are airtight. Let hot foods cool before placing them in the refrigerator. Defrost refrigerator regularly - when about 1/4 inch of ice has formed. Place your refrigerator in the coolest part of the - continued below ...
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continued ...
kitchen - away from cookers, heaters and out of direct sunlight.
6. Heating
Turn off electric water heater when going away for vacations or weekends. Turn your heating down rather than opening a window to reduce the room temperature. Never cover radiators with curtains or furniture as this reduces their efficiency and wastes valuable heat. When going on long holidays, remember to switch your water heating off.
7. Work Tools
Use hand tools in your workshop instead of power tools.
8. Appliances
When shopping for new appliances, ask about energy-efficient models. Buy appliances on the basis of cost plus operating costs, not price alone. Limit the use of appliances that use over 1,000 watts. Keep appliances clean and in good working order. They'll use less energy.
9. Bills
Check all energy bills closely. Errors can be costly.
10. Insulation & Air conditioning
Insulating your attic will save on operating air conditioning (also heating). If your walls are suitable, cavity wall insulation will substantially reduce heat loss. Keep air conditioning condenser shaded from sun or on north side of house. Turn off air conditioning when no one is home.
About the Author
Copyright © 2005. Chileshe Mwape writes for The Cheap Electricity Guide website at:
http://www.cheap-electricity-guide.org.uk/ and he’s also a regular contributor to the Ways2Save website at: http://www.ways2save.org.uk/
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| _Additional Resources ... |
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The Difference Between Wants and Needs
So you want to become wealthy? While there is no single road to getting there, it's a sure bet that one principle is in place for those who keep their wealth over a lifetime. Live beneath your means. Spend less than you make. Don't spend...
Family Night on a Budget!
When you and your family are on a tight budget, sometimes one of the first things to be cut out is money for entertainment. When our 3 children were small, my husband and I always tried to find fun things to do as a family that didn't make a...
Are Wedding Decorations waiting in Your future?
If there are wedding bells in your future, then surely there are wedding decorations as well. Or, maybe you are looking for Easter decorations, baby shower decorations, or even prom decorations? For some good ideas on any party decorations, just...
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