Exactly how much do you pay for the utilities needed to run your home? Even if you know, down to the kilowatt, the exact usage of power, what can you do about it? A power monitor can be a useful tool, but without knowing what to do with the information you may as well toss it. Every energy-driven device in your home requires, well, energy to use it. There are a few gadgets that seem to require less at a small cost with minimal notice.
CFL v. Incandescent Bulbs
In years past I have resisted the CFL bandwagon. Fluorescent bulbs, energy savings aside, were just plain ugly to look at and reminded me too much of eight o'clock classes in college. The good news is they have improved the quality and appearance over the last few years. Yes, they still have a delay, but the 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 fluorescents another shot.
Shower v. Bath
Generally speaking, a bath uses more water, which increases your cost and usage of both water and energy. But, if you have an old shower head and enjoy a 20-minute, just-below-boiling stand-up experience, it probably uses about the same amount. Check the gallons per minute of your shower with an old bucket to gauge your usage. As far as hygiene is concerned, a bath has got to be the ickiest option. Soaking in your own filth can't be the best way to get clean.
Microwaves v. Ovens
This is a moot point. Cooking a chunk of meat in the microwave versus in a traditional gas oven, you may save a little. But if you eat two or three meatless meals each week or convert even one bulb to a CFL, you'll save more over a year. Meat requires much more energy to cook, so if you'd like to cut back on cook time and energy, go veggie. There are several variables that work within the microwave oven, gas/electric oven debate, and most seem to even out quite a bit. You don't need to fret over it unless you're feeding twenty people three meals a day.
Low Flow
Low flow shower heads may or may not be good for savings. With a powerful shower head I can get a good shower in five minutes. The pitiful heads that spit rather than "shower" water take nearly twice the time to rinse off soap and shampoo. Nearly the same usage in exchange for an annoying daily experience. Saving water and the energy needed to heat water may be better done by being mindful of your current usage rather than switching to a new head.
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