If practical — if the recipe will allow it — use a microwave oven rather than a conventional oven. It uses 1/5 as much power. If you need something browned, try using a toaster oven instead — it uses about 1/4 as much power.
Install programmable Energy Star thermostats in your home. They can automatically adjust the temperature while you are sleeping or at work, which can add up to big savings. (Always install thermostats well away from natural cool and hot spots.)
In warm weather, close your blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep the sun out and ease the load on your air conditioner.
I have started keeping track of my utility bills. First of all, I cannot really be aware of my energy usage unless I know my energy usage, right? Secondly, whenever we make changes in our lifestyle that affect our energy usage, it helps to be able to quantify those changes. Toward that end I have decided to make a post once a month, whenever I pay the utility bill, where I will discuss our energy usage and changes in our lifestyle. (Conveniently, all of our utilities are billed once a month on a single bill.) I have included the raw data from March and April below, although I will be doing a single month at a time going forward.
What can this data tell me? Well, to start with, both March and April were very mild, so we didn't spend a lot on heating. In fact, I remember opening the doors several times to help cool off the house. Also, we used a lot more water in April than in May because we had the house pressure-washed before it was painted.April 2007 Data
Electricity, in kWh
Cost / Unit
Gas, in Therms
Cost / Unit
Water, in CCF
Cost / Unit
710
$.093
70
$1.42
26
$1.34 March 2007 Data
Electricity, in kWh
Cost / Unit
Gas, in Therms
Cost / Unit
Water, in CCF
Cost / Unit
771
$.092
80
$1.36
9
$1.67
Change your furnace filters at least once every six months. Actually, depending on who you ask, you should really change your filters every three months, or even every month. (If you can't remember when you changed them last, then it's definitely time to change them.) If you can possibly afford it, use the good filters because they last longer and will actually save you money in the long run.
Change your motor oil at least once every six months. Actually, depending on who you ask, you should really change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles. (If you can't remember when you changed it last, then it's definitely time to change it.)
It's summer, so it's time once again to change your car's motor oil!
Do yourself a favor and get the expensive synthetic oil. It lasts longer and does wonderful things for your engine.Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable.