More Things You Can Do Right Now

Now, this one may seem even more tough, but I want you to go shut off your A/C. Yes, your air conditioner. If you have balcony or patio doors, you may crack each door or window a bit - a crack - pull all blinds and curtains closed, but don't cover the crack (there will be some sunlight coming in so that you can see what you are doing - - I don't want you having to turn on any lights). If you do this first thing each morning while the air is still a bit cooler outside, and keep the blinds and curtains closed for the most part, you'll be amazed as the day progresses. It will be nice and cool inside. If you wish, have an overhead or box fan on in the room you are in, and that is it. Trust me. I live in South Florida where the summer is very hot, and this method works. My place even feels cool when I return from being outside, and this is when I haven't had the A/C on all day long! I have even gotten to the point where I don't even use any fan during the day. I am completely comfortable, and I am here all day long. Every single day. Also, be sure that your A/C filter is always clean which will alleviate any additional energy drain from it.

Once the sun begins to set, or let's say you're about ready to prepare dinner and will be cooking, go around and close all of the windows, and turn on your A/C. Don't turn it way down, either. Just turn it back to the "on" position and keep it on to where you had it. However, I want you to start trying to turn it up about 1 degree each week until you get to about 4 degrees warmer than your usual setting, and keep it there. I also then want you to begin to use a box fan in your bedroom at night to compensate for the higher temp in your home. It should have 3 settings on it, and you could even get an ocillating fan, if you wish. You'll be amazed . . . at the very little difference in temperature in your home and at the VERY BIG difference in your energy usage and utility bill. Then, in the morning, whenever you think of it, but definitely before you leave for work, if you are working, shut off the air conditioner again.

Also, the next time you see them on sale, and if you have the money for them, purchase a 4-pack of those energy efficient compact flourescent light bulbs (they look like coils, if you are not familiar with them). Then, once more, replace the bulb in your favorite lamp next to your bed on the nightstand (the lamp that has been unplugged and is unplugged, as we speak here, right?). Replace bulbs in your bathroom and any overhead lighting. If you can only afford to replace 4 bulbs at a time, please just do it, and continue to replace bulbs as you can.

Did you know that running your water heater typically accounts for 13% of your utility bill ? You can also lower the temperature of your water heater. Do that right now. 120 degrees is usually a good hot water setting for most uses; however, I recommend working on lowering that number even more as you go.

Also, did you know that the average shower uses about 20 gallons of water each time? Some of us have been known to exceed that as well. This is also the place to save on hot water costs and preserve the life of your water heater as well. Before stepping into the shower, turn on the COLD water first in a medium pressure stream and then add hot to that until it becomes comfortable. Think clean - - using shampoo, soap, and water to clean the hair and body. It shouldn't be a sauna, and quite frankly, I find the more warm the shower is, the more I tend to linger. And lingering is just exactly what we don't need right now. Shampoo and soap up and rinse. Repeat, if you must, but then rinse only to get the soap off, and then get out of the shower. You're done! I am also working on continuing to turn down the hot water as I go along in my daily shower. This hasn't hurt me any, but it has also saved me money. And men - - - please consider putting shaving cream on your face and using the bathroom sink and mirror BEFORE you get into the shower, and ladies, you can do the same for your legs also. Do it BEFORE. It will cut your shower time - and water waste - down to a minimum.

So, that's it for now. "That's it?" you may be saying sarcastically. And naturally, I'm going to conclude with what I always say: Trust me. You will be glad you did!