IDT Energy Savings

If anybody tells you that using a dishwasher wastes water and energy, you can assure them that, depending on how you use your dishwasher that is simply not true. There are several things that you actually save by using the dishwasher rather than washing your dishes by hand.

Water

Are you surprised? Don’t be. If you only use your dishwasher when it is completely loaded up, the amount of water used will actually be less than if you washed each of those dishes by hand. One researcher found that the difference comes to 37% less water.

Time

For many people, time is money. Certainly in today’s world of two parents away from home all day at work, the time spendt washing dishes by hand could better be used enjoying the company of family and friends, plus numerous other chores which must be done.  As a time-saving device, the dishwasher rocks.

Electricity

Yes, a dishwasher does use more electricity than washing by hand, but as appliances become more efficient, you might be surprised at how little electricity the dishwasher really needs. After all, most of the electricity, about 80% used by the dishwasher is for heating the water. Whether you hand wash or machine wash, hot water still needs to be made. Also be sure to look for the Energy Star label to ensure you are purchasing the most energy efficient appliance around.

IDT Energy urges consumers to carefully pick appliances best suited to their family’s needs and lifestyles, and be energy smart.

Certainly, every little bit counts when you’re trying to save money.  One easy way to cut corners is to take a look at your energy bill and to try to make some changes. Whether you use IDT Energy or another provider, there is always a way to reduce your bill a bit more and to cut down on your energy costs.

Take lighting for instance.  A typical household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting.  You can reduce these costs by 50-75% with a few key adjustments.

Here are a few ways to make your indoor lighting choices more cost effective:

1. Use fluorescent lamps rather than incandescent bulbs.  They last 6-12 times longer and they are of high quality.
2. Buy ENERGY STAR products whenever you can.  You’ll save as much as $30 in electricity costs over the lifetime of each and every bulb.
3. Install dimmers and timers that help you to save on electric costs by turning lights off when they aren’t in use.  Simmers allow you to lower your light levels, thus saving money.
4. If you plan to remodel, look for recessed downlights, called “cans” that are rated for contact with insulation. They are IC rated.
5. Make sure your home optimizes for natural light. Purchase light curtains, paint rooms with light hues and keep blinds open to let in natural light.

IDT Energy suggests viewing the following educational video which describes in clear language and graphics the process of generating and distributing nuclear, fossil fuel and hydroelectric power today.

On October 22 1879 Thomas Alva Edison had his first successful test of his invention that literally changed the world and the way we live in it, that is of course the electric light bulb. The basic design of the incandescent light bulb has changed little in all this time but today, with our increased awareness of the importance of saving energy, especially electricity, there is a concerted effort to change from the general use of incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs.

The technology for a long lasting and energy efficient fluorescent light bulb was developed by Philips in 1991 when it created a fluorescent light bulb which burned for 60,000 hours using magnetic induction.

IDT Energy suggests to consumers that they consider making the switch to CFLs in their homes and workplaces. There are several good reasons to do this:

• CFLs can last up to ten times longer
• CFLs use only a quarter of the energy
• CFLs produce about 90% less heat than incandescents while at the same time producing more light per watt.

Hot water is a must-have, especially during the winter season. Everyone dreads the moment that they run out of hot water for the shower and even just for doing the dishes. Here are some great tips for conserving hot water in your home:

• Take quick showers instead of hot baths, and turn the water off when it is not in use (for example, while applying shampoo).
• Install low-flow shower and faucet heads throughout your home, and attach aerators as well.
• Use cold water for most household cleaning, like mopping the floor.
• Only run full loads in the dishwasher.

There are many other things you can do around the house to conserve hot water and energy, and by doing so, you can lower your energy bill significantly. You may want to contact your electric company like IDT Energy, as they can give your personalized advice, and may even offer a home visit.

Conserving energy is a simple, effective way to save money on a monthly basis. Here are some things you can do every day to lower your bills. For more ideas, you may want to contact your electric company, like IDT Energy.

One appliance that uses a significant amount of energy is the oven and the stove. The first way to ensure efficient energy use is by using pots and pans of the correct size. Be sure to match them with the appropriate stovetop elements.
When it comes to preheating the oven, only do so for a limited amount of time as it is really only needed for baking. For reheating food, try using a microwave or toaster instead of an oven. These use significantly less energy. To check the status of the food, use the window as much as possible. Opening the door unnecessarily lets heat escape, and results in increased energy use.

Many people are aware of the fact that they can save money by cutting back on energy use. The problem usually is that they are not aware of how. The internet is a great source of knowledge, and information and tips can easily be found using Google or another search engine. For personalized advice, you may want to contact your electric company, like IDT Energy.

Once you’ve learned about the various ways to conserve energy in your house, have a family meeting and explain the proper use of appliances to your children. Make sure they understand why they should make an effort- give them real examples of costs, and show them how simple it is to be a little more responsible. Once everyone understands, you will surely see a change in the monthly bill!

Companies like IDT Energy suggest that you learn a bit more about your appliances, and by doing so- you save both energy and money! Here is an informative video which shows a few changes that you can make in your home in order to lower your electric bill.

Companies such as IDT Energy know that by introducing a few new habits into your everyday routine, you can easily lower the amount of energy that you use, as well as your electricity bill. Your laundering habits are a good example of such an opportunity. Here are a few suggestions:

• Do your wash with cold water whenever possible.
• Be sure to only run full loads, to maximize efficiency.
• Make sure you don’t overload your dryer. This will cause the dryer to use more energy, and require more time to run. Clothes will also wrinkle and get worn out.
• For maximum efficiency, use suds savers and front-loading washers.
• Always adjust the water level according to the load size. This way, you will use less on smaller loads.
• Overloaded washers don’t clean clothes as effectively, and often requires another cycle.
• Make sure to clean the lint filter after each drying cycle to maintain efficiency.

Companies like IDT Energy know that by using your appliances wisely and efficiently, you can lower your energy bill every month. For example, your washing machine uses a lot of water and energy to run. Be sure to only run the wash when you have a full load, this way you will only be using as much energy as needed. Also, take advantage of the fact that most of the time your clothes do not need to be washed in hot water. 85-90% of the energy used while doing laundry goes towards heating the water. By turning the dial on your machine to cold, you save money, save energy, and support the environment. If you are considering a new machine, choose a front loading machine. These machines use 40% less water, and 50% less energy.