Save Money by Going Green at Home

Being green at home can only benefit our pockets. It's not only to help the planet, but just as important, it will save us money in energy bills. As home owners, we can make a difference even from the comforts of our home.

It's not only to help the planet, but Just as important in helping sustain our environment is saving money by going green in the comforts of our homes.

• Dish Washing

For homes using dishwashers, it is good to have a choice with the range of water-efficient washers available in the market. When loading the dishwasher, instead of pre-rinsing dishes which wastes water, scrape them clean. The general rule is to run the dishwasher only when it's full. For those using the tap water, also scrape dishes clean. Leaving the tap running when washing dishes by hand in the sink wastes extraordinary amount of water.

• Dryer

The dryer, along with the washing machine, is essential equipment at home for a busy lifestyle. Only use it when necessary. Nothing beats sun-dried clothes for freshness and it doesn't even cost a cent. If your dryer has a moisture sensor that turns the machine off automatically when clothes are dry, use it. The lint trap should be ensured clean before every load.

• Personal Computer

Nowadays, a personal computer is practically a part of every home. Make sure the power management feature on your computer is enabled. It should be in the control panel or system preferences. What's important is that the computer goes into a low-power mode when we are away from it. To others it might not matter, but in reality, it's a good idea to get rid of the screen saver as it requires added energy to run those images on a regular basis.

• Light Bulbs

Energy-saving bulbs have become popular nowadays. Switch to them as regular bulbs cost much more. It's been estimated that replacing an old 100W bulb should pay for itself in a year. Imagine what you will save if you replace four or five of your most used incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use about two-thirds less energy.

• Toilets Check

A leak in your toilet cistern can waste hundreds of litres of water a day. If you're not sure if there is a leak, add a small amount of food coloring to the tank. Colour will appear in the bowl if there's a leak. Make sure to immediately flush to avoid staining. When a toilet leaks over a period of time, enough water is wasted.

• Washing Machine

The washing machine is an essential piece of equipment at home for a busy lifestyle, so using it to its most efficient potential will help the environment. The general rule is to only wash with a full load and to use the cold function whenever possible. Heating the water accounts for almost 90 percent of the machine's washing energy, with the remaining 10 percent being used to power the motor.

These reminders will sure make a difference in our pockets as well as help keep our environment.