Low-Tech Solutions to Save Power at Home

When it comes to saving energy, we all may want to do the right things but think we can't because we can't afford solar panels or a hybrid car. Think smaller: There are low-cost steps every family can take to make a difference.

Start by taking stock of how your family uses energy. (This do-it-yourself energy audit from the U.S. Energy Department guides you through a step-by-step look at ways to locate air leaks, check insulation levels, evaluate the age and condition of your heating and cooling systems, and analyze how much and the kind of lighting you use every day.)

Guaranteed, we'll all find things we can change or improve that won't cost as much as buying the latest energy-efficient washer and dryer but will make an impact just the same. You'll find all kinds of ideas in this comprehensive guide from U.S. Energy Department, "Energy Savers Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home." Here are a few to get started:

• Set your thermostat at a comfortably low temperature in the winter and a comfortably high temp in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Known as CFLs, these swirly light bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. And, as Robin Raskin writes, they are becoming more effective at providing the kind of lighting we need and want in homes. They have also come down in price, and are more cost-effective over time because of the energy savings they reap.

• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle. I have to admit, when this family of five is in full swing, I am in no rush to air dry dishes and glasses. Since you should only run dishwashers when they are full, which we usually do, they wouldn't all fit on a rack. But for light days, it's a good idea.

• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use. This is something we all need to pay more attention to in our house.

• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F. Take short showers instead of baths. (With two girls who love to luxuriate in long, hot showers despite our pleas, we definitely need to work on this!)

• Wash only full loads of clothes.

• Drive sensibly. Speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking wastes gasoline. So does idling or warming up a car for long stretches on cold mornings. Keep your vehicle maintained, tires properly inflated to improve gas mileage.

That's a start. Here are some related links to help us think and act green at home as Earth Day approaches:

How Many Light Bulbs Does It Take?
LED Light Bulbs: The Greenest So Far, But Challenges Remain
Earth Day Approaches: The Scary Truth About Computer Recycling
Calculate Energy Use with Online Tools