Energy experts have preached taking small eco-steps for year to trim energy bills -- but does it work?
The good news, is yes. By taking a few small steps outlined in my story today in The Wall Street Journal, I've cut my electricity consumption by 687 kwh this year, saving $86 in the last 2 months alone. Keeping that up for a year, I'd rack up about $500 in savings -- or 40% of last year's total power bill.
The steps didn't take much effort: turning off printers and computers not in use, upgrading to Energy Star appliances when old ones needed replacing, swapping a stand-up freezer for a chest model.
To dig deeper...
Michael Blue Jay -- One man's Web site with strategies on cutting energy costs.
Recyclemyoldfridge.com -- Web site that lets you calculate how much electricity an old appliance consumes and how much an upgrade to Energy Star model will provide.
Energy Department Guide -- Strategies from federal government to reduce energy consumption and waste at home. (May take a few moments to load)
Appliance consumption -- A link from the federal government's Energy Star program to see how much electricity individual appliances consume.
UPDATE: Here's a cheat sheet short version with 5 quick tips for Good Morning America as well as a video.
Image by Whirlpool.
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