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According to the Edison Electric Institute, a Washington-based energy trade association, space heating represents about 49% of the energy use in American homes. The other 51% is to household appliances, lighting, water heating and air conditioning. Appliances and lighting account for 28% of a typical household's annual energy use. Water heating accounts for 16%, while the air conditioning takes up to 7%. Here is a list of ways to cut usage and cost.
Lighting
Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, they use 66% less energy, also keep bulbs clean. Dust can cut light output as much as 25%.
Appliances
Do not let pre-heated ovens sit to long, and do not open the door to check on food. You lose 25% of heat each time you do. Use a microwave instead of the oven you will use 40% less energy. Keep the inside of your microwave clean it will cook food more efficiently. Use small pan with lids when cooking, less time to heat up and cooks food faster.
Washing Machine and Dryer
Wash and dry full loads. Keep dryer lint filter clean. Wash in cold water, unless you have very dirty clothes. Do not add wet items when dryer has already started.
Dishwasher
Wash only full loads, use the air dry feature. If you are washing dishes by hand, rinse in a group rather than one dish at a time.
Refrigerator
Cover and wrap foods, Uncovered foods and liquids release moisture and drive up electricity bills. Let hot food cool before putting in refrigerator, the fridge will use less energy trying to cool it down. A full freezer runs better than a empty one.
Water Heater
Lower the temperature to 120 degrees and you will cut your water heating bill cost by 10% to 15%, but if you have an older model dishwasher you will want to keep the temperature at 140% to make sure that all the bacteria on dishes are removed. Insulate your storage water heater tank. Drain sediment from the bottom of the water-heater tank every one to three years. Take showers they use less water than baths do.
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