4 Energy Saving Tips

When was the last time you evaluated the cost of household items and transportation? Small changes make big impacts, and they almost always lead to greater savings.

1. Proper Home Insulation
If you've ever lived in a poorly insulated home or apartment, you know that trying to cool a Texas abode in late July is like bailing water from the Titanic. Usually the ductwork is to blame--it has leaks or the home was not vented correctly. The AC unit might be in tip-top shape, but it is part of a larger system that needs to function properly together. You can crank the air up to blistering in attempt to save on your bill, but the foundational problems won't go away.

If you plan on living in your home for more than five years, giving your ductwork and AC unit an overhaul will definitely save money and keep your home properly heated and cooled. Most homeowners just try to make do and choke down hundreds of extra bucks each month because the initial costs of installation are so high. The energy costs however climb even higher. Help save on environmental impact and, just as importantly, your comfort by doing it correctly. Hopefully all this green talk buzzing about will inspire builders to properly install AC systems that work efficiently.

2. Light Bulbs
I am probably one of the last people in North America to catch the fluorescent bulb train. When they first hit the stores I tried a couple and absolutely hated them. They have a delay turning on and flash me back to an overlit 1st period class in junior high (which isn't exactly a fond memory). Not to mention they just look funny with all the coils. Fluorescents really weren't my cup of tea.

The good news is they have improved the quality and appearance of flourescent bulbs over the last few years. Yes, they still have a delay, but the CFL bulbs have become softer and emit a yellow glow similar to incandescents. CFLs use one-third the energy of their traditional counterparts. A 26-watt CFL runs for 6000 hours while a 100-watt incandescent will last roughly 1000 hours. That's big savings on both ends. In a test run by Popular Mechanics an incandescent bulb actually scored the lowest for efficiency, color, and warmth. Give CFL light bulbs a shot.

3. Energy Saving Appliances
We indulged in a pair of front loaders last Christmas and it is a true joy to launder clothes! Knowing that my clothes are being gently tumbled with minimal water and soap and that we are saving money is a good deal. And, on a completely superficial note, they look cool.  They have a 30% larger load capacity, they are quiet, and you'll save up to $100 each year on energy costs. Front loaders definitely have a positive environmental impact.

But before taking full license to buy those sweet, stackable units, I recommend waiting until your current unit fails. Use what you have until it doesn't work anymore. Plus check with repairmen in your area before investing--some will not repair specific front loaders and if your warranty runs out you'll be stuck with a non-working unit. Other energy saving household appliances include dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, and water heaters.

4. Fuel Costs
Depending on where you live, your commute may include a train, bus, or long distance car ride. I live in an area that has beautiful, wide highway lanes and great interconnectedness...but no other option for travel to work. As most folks have to live far out because of high property values, it makes for a brutal morning and afternoon commute sans public transportation. It would be lovely to ride a bike or train to work, and if that remains an option for you, we encourage you to take it. As for my neighbors and I, we are stuck on the highway.

The good news is you can greatly reduce many cost killers and have a less negative environmental impact while you brave the traffic. First off, keep your tires properly inflated. This means you not only carry the pen-shaped pressure checker, but that you actually use it. This one simple task can save up to $800 per year on excess fuel costs. If you work close to a neighbor, try to carpool several times a week to save money.

Learn how to hypermile. To reduce the amount of fuel you use, avoid keeping your car running and stopped. So in traffic, try to move slower and avoid completely braking. Coast down a hill without stepping on the gas and, the biggest one, slowly accelerate from a stoplight. Avoid drive-thru lanes, as the car remains idle for a long amount of time.

These easy, money saving tips for frugal living also make for a smaller impact on the environment. Squeeze even more money out of your wallet while living eco-friendly.