What is the best way to conserve energy?

Question

Is it better to close off rooms in the house that aren't being used to conserve energy or keep all rooms open in order to get a better circulation of air?

I normally open my windows and get a good cross-wind through but when I close the windows and use the air conditioner, I want to conserve energy the best I can and keep my bill down. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

An air conditioner sucks up energy like nothing else in your house. They are very expensive to operate versus using window and ceiling fans.

Also, when using window fans, choose which room you want to cool and open the windows. Then shut all the other windows in the house except for the one where you'll put the fan (usually a spare bedroom that no one sleeps in). Then set the fan up to blow the air *out* of the window. This creates a vacuum on the whole house, which will draw the cool air in through the open windows in the room you want to cool.

You can also strategically place multiple fans blowing out for more air flow into the open windows, or open more windows in different rooms to cool them, too. And if you have a natural breeze that blows through your house, take advantage of that (set up the fans and open windows so that the breeze enhances the air flow instead of impeding it).

This method is especially effective at night, where you draw in the cool night air.

Answer 2

Unplug everything you are not currently using.  I mean it!  At my house only the tv, computer, stove, and fridge are plugged in 24/7.  I unplug everything else unless I need to use it.  It cuts about 40% of you bill.

Answer 3

Use fluorescent lamps and make sure your home has a good isolation.  

Answer 4

Die. Then you wont be using any energy.

Answer 5

Opening windows for a cross wind is a good idea as long as it's not too hot or humid.  Run your dishwasher only at night when it won't heat up your living space.  Run ceiling fans to cool your skin so you can turn you A/C up several degrees.

Check out the following web page on the Top Ten Tips to Save Energy:

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

Hope this helps!

Answer 6

insulate and seal everything.

there is no reason to cool rooms that aren't being lived in. If you can, open up everything at night to cool the house down as much as posible.

In the morning, as soon as the ouside gets warmer than the inside, close the house and set the AC to about 78. Do not wait until the house reaches 96. it;s cheaper to maintain the temp rather than to try to cool things down after the fact.

another great way to reduce AC bills is to have installed a temperature controlled attic blower. believe me it keeps the house a lot cooler and the AC runs less.

Also, be sure to cover windows that allow direct sunlight into the house.