You probably already know about the common ways to save electricity like turning off lights, unplugging unused appliances, and using ceiling fans. We talk about these ways all the time on this blog. But what about the nonstandard ways to save energy? If you want to be an individual and stand out from the crowd while showing off your unique energy-saving personality, we’ve compiled some obscure ways you can go the extra mile to save electricity.
The air inside your bathroom and kitchen cabinets or hallway closets doesn’t need to be cooled. Shut those doors when you’re not using them. This saves your air conditioner from the extra work.
Turn off bright overhead lights and treat yourself to a romantic candlelit evening. While turning off your lights for one night might not save a huge amount of energy, over time it will add up and every little bit helps. But more importantly, it might get you in the habit of conserving electricity whenever and wherever you can.
Your dryer vent is a direct open path from indoors to outdoors. If the vent cover isn’t well sealed, it is just like leaving a window partially open. Ensure there’s a tight seal around the duct on your home’s exterior and interior. Use heat-resistant foil tape around the duct and wall in the interior. For the exterior, caulk around the top and sides of the ventilation hood to seal it from the elements using an exterior-grade silicone caulk.
When was the last time you cleaned the back of your refrigerator? It’s one of those places we’re happy to ignore even when we deep clean. However, the dust and gunk that can accumulate over the years on your refrigerator coils can have ill effects. Dirty coils make your fridge work harder and less efficiently. This means higher energy bills for you and potentially a shorter lifespan for your refrigerator.
Put the power of nature to work for YOU! Let the wind and Texas sun do the hard work of drying your clothes. Not only will it save the energy that your dryer would consume, but it also prevents your dryer’s excess heat from lingering in your home. Extra heat in your home means extra work for your air conditioner.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek Proverb
You don’t have to be an old man to appreciate the idea of planting trees to shade and cool your home. You may not even have to wait terribly long. Varieties like Nuttall Oaks, Red Maples or Hybrid Poplars; all do well in Texas and can grow 3 to 8 feet in a year. If you plant a tree that’s already getting tall, it will start shading your home sooner.
This may seem more self-torturous than weird, but people actually do it. And they enjoy it! It takes a lot of energy to heat water. By taking a cold shower you remove energy from that process. A cold shower is really not that bad. If you try this out during a Texas summer, our “cold” water is more lukewarm than cold. It’s like jumping into the Gulf of Mexico but without the sand.
If you're too chicken to try a cold shower, consider shortening your shower instead. With less hot water flowing through your plumbing, your water heater won’t use as much energy. Plus, you’ll conserve water! Place a speaker in your bathroom and play a song that’s about five minutes long. Try to finish your shower before the song ends. Here are a few famous five-minute songs to use:
“Kids,” by MGMT
“Smells Like Teen Spirit,” by Nirvana
“Time Stand Still,” by Rush
“Rocket Man,” by Elton John
“Enfilade,” by At The Drive-In
