Saving on Energy and Water Delaware

Common sense techniques are difficult to make habits. Everyone knows that it is important to turn off lights when you leave the room, turn off running water when you are brushing your teeth, but it is only by repetition do these conservation efforts become habit.

Conserving Electricity
Phantom Electricity

An easy way to reduce electricity consumption is to use surge protectors and unplug appliances when they are not in use. ‘Phantom' electricity occurs in appliances that use memory chips or remote controls. Any appliance with w timer or clock uses a small amount of energy at all times. According to one article, an energy consultant found that a 27 inch TV used about 100 kilowatt hours a year due this kind of phantom electricity.

Your television area can usually have a plethora of cords; the television, cable box, stereos, DVD players should all be plugged into a surge protector that you can easily switch off when you are not using them. This way, your appliances do not sap electricity while they are not in use.

For appliances that are not ideal for surge protectors such as toaster ovens, microwaves, coffeemakers, etc., simply unplug the appliance when it is not being used.

Seal Windows and Doors

Keeping your apartment sealed by insulating drafty windows and spaces between doors will keep your apartment warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. For cheap fixes, you can use caulk and door stripping to seal up the major apertures.

To read the whole article, visit MyNewPlace.com.