How to Save Energy (Without Spending Money)

Nowadays, effective energy conservation can often require some sort of investment or expense up front - for instance, in the form of solar power panels, energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, or censored lighting fixtures. However, while such methods of conservation are undeniably effective, some can be expensive - which means it's not possible for every household to purchase or install them. Some households might have plans to save up for solar panels, while others might only ever go as far as purchasing energy efficient light bulbs. When it comes to energy conservation, it's important to keep in mind that you don't actually have to spend money upfront in order to make a difference - to both the environment and your wallet. There are, in fact, a number of free ways you can start saving energy and money today.

While the most obvious of these might be to turn off lights, appliances and electronics that aren't in use, many people don't bother to unplug such items after they've been switched off. However, an appliance that's plugged into an electrical socket still uses up energy - even if it's turned off or in "standby" mode. So it's important to unplug your appliances and electronics, even after switching them off.

Another effective and free way to save on your energy bills is to start washing your clothes in cold water. Most of the energy used by washing machines (about 90%) goes into heating the water - a fact that many people are unaware of. So by washing and rinsing your laundry in cold water, you'll make a big difference to the amount of energy you save. What's more, cold-water laundry detergent is now widely available - which means you won't have to make any compromises on how clean your laundry gets.

While on the topic of laundry, remember that clothes dryers use up a lot of energy too. If possible, dry your laundry on a clothesline. However, if you do need to use a dryer, don't over-dry your laundry. Aside from saving you energy, your clothes will require less ironing if you remove them from the dryer while they're still slightly damp.

Laundry isn't the only household chore that can be energy efficient. When it comes to washing dishes, the most energy efficient method is to wash by hand (if you don't already own an energy-efficient dishwasher). However, if you must use a dishwasher, save energy by skipping the pre-rinsing step. By pre-rinsing your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, you can waste up to 20 gallons of heated water a day. So, if your dishwasher can handle it, simply scrape off any leftover food and let the dishwasher do the rest. If you're worried that your dishes won't come out spotless, use an enzyme-based dish detergent, which is bound to do the trick.

Last but not least, consider the amount of water you put in your kettle before heating it up. Many people overfill their kettle, which means excess energy is used to heat the water. By filling your kettle with only as much water as you need, you'll save a lot of energy over time. Taking steps like these will help ensure you reduce your energy usage and benefit from cheap electricity [http://www.npower.com/web/At_home/electricity_and_gas/Products/signonline/index.htm] bills - all without spending a penny upfront.