NETWORX'S BLOG

September 24, 2009 | 5:37 AM

The Great Energy Challenge

Saving energy is not just about saving money, although I have to admit that whenever I turn off unnecessary lights, I always think to myself, "What a waste of money to keep a light on in a room without anyone," and not "Oh, the poor environment, I am causing harm by keeping unnecessary lights on." But the truth is that saving energy is also about saving the earth; the less energy used (gas and electricity) means less pollution, less depletion of the ozone layer and less global warming. One family's energy conservation efforts won't make any substantial impact on limiting environmental problems but there would be a substantial, maybe even huge positive impact if even just half of the families in the U.S. would take upon one energy saving action at home.

So here is my challenge to you America: Take upon one energy saving action in your home. I am not talking about changing your entire lifestyle or spending a lot of money to install solar panels on your roof! I am talking about day-to-day simple tasks that will not only help the environment but really save you money on your utility bills. In these challenging economic times, who isn't looking to lower their bills?

Unsure of how to save energy? Here are a few simple, quick, and inexpensive ways to conserve energy in your home:

Hang Dry Your Laundry
Nobody likes crunchy towels, so skip hanging the towels- plus they take too long to dry. If every family would hang just one load a week of laundry, not only would the demand for gas and electricity decrease, but the gas and electricity prices could even drop due to less demand. There are some fantastic inexpensive drying racks which hold about one load worth of clothes so you don't necessarily need to hang a line across your basement or utility room to accomplish this task. Try it with your white loads - hanging socks, undershirts, and underwear is the easiest and quickest.

Install a Programmable Thermostat- and Use it!
Programmable thermostats can save you a lot of money. Many people have programmable thermostats installed but don't maximize their potential for energy savings (view some great programmable thermostats). If nobody is home during the day you can set the thermostat in the winter to 66 degrees Fahrenheit and program the thermostat to go back up to the temperature of your choice, just before you arrive home. Likewise during the night; program the heat to go down a few degrees while you sleep and to warm up before you wake. Sleeping in a cool room is actually conducive to good sleep and safest for babies too. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends keeping your bedroom (at night) like a cave- cool, quiet and dark. Further my children's Pediatrician always recommends keeping the temperature in a baby's room no higher than 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be Attentive- Go Solar, Switch the Blubs
Another easy way to start saving energy is to be alert and aware of all electrical devices in your house. From lights, radios, DVD players, televisions, and more, make sure that they are turned off when not in use. Put lights on timers, use solar porch and garage lights. If you like keeping a light on over night on your porch or garage then consider installing a motion sensor which will turn the light on only when motion is sensed. And finally, one of the simplest ways to save some energy is to switch your light bulbs from the old incandescent bulbs to the new compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL bulbs). They don't give off heat like the incandescent bulbs and are so much more energy efficient.

Spread the word to your friends, family and community and see if they can meet the challenge. An individual has the means to accomplish; but a community has the means to make a difference. Save energy today and start making a difference in your community (and on your utility bills too!).

Posted by Marcy Tate