Energy Savings

Less Shower Time = A More Efficient Life

There's nothing better than nice hot shower in the morning to get your day started in the right direction. But, after a while, that can start to significantly put a hole in your wallet. By simply changing a few small habits, we can have a more efficient, productive every-day life.
Written by Author
Close shot of a shower head
Next

If you’re like me, a nice hot shower is what wakes you up in the morning. Taking showers can be an energizing and relaxing activity, and they also help our physical and emotional well-being. However, is it really necessary to lounge around in the shower for more than a few minutes?

Probably not—and we can get our deep thinking done anywhere. Besides saving time, here are some ways that cutting down our precious shower time and frequency can deliver unexpected benefits.

Saving Water

Did you know that on average, we use a whopping 2.5 gallons of water per minute? Yikes! That means that a 10-minute shower uses 25 gallons of (hot) water. That’s taking dollars out of your pocket, as well as wasting water and time. By reducing the length of your showers, you will be saving water and protecting Mother Earth. You’ll also start seeing savings on your water bill. It’s a win-win!

More Time to Do What Matters

We are all guilty of it, including myself. Sometimes, it can be hard to not take two showers in a day. Once in the morning and once after going to the gym – I get it, it happens. Nonetheless, if we tried to stick to ONE shower a day, we could have more time to spend on doing things that matter most, like catching up with family or taking the dog for a quick walk. We could also have more time to complete our daily to-do lists before the sun goes down.

Energy Savings

Finally, limiting your shower time can significantly impact your electricity bill as well. Whenever you cut your hot water use, you are saving energy and saving money. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little extra cash at the end of the year?

My point isn’t intended to deprive you of your morning luxury: rather, it is to inform you of how cutting off just a few short minutes can benefit you financially. So, I challenge you to break the habit. Try to keep your showers to 5 minutes or less. If you have to, buy a cheap timer to let you know when it’s been too long. In these tough economic times, every little bit can help. I’ve broken my habit—can you do it too?

Brought to you by

Like This Article?

Subscribe today and we'll deliver new issues right to your inbox.
Table of Contents Back To Top
Energy Savings

5 Tips to Stay cool and keep energy costs down!

Summer officially begins this Saturday [...] many weather folks are calling for warming temperatures this week, with increased humidity, parts of New England could reach the lower 90′s.
Written by Author
Dog laying on wood floor in front of fan
Next

Summer officially begins this Saturday, June 21 at 6:51 am (EDT)  (The Old Farmer’s Almanac is a great source of cool weather related info) coincidentally (or perhaps not) many weather folks are calling for warming temperatures this week, with increased humidity, parts of New England could reach the lower 90’s.

Many folks will find themselves rummaging through the attic or garage for the air conditioner and fans.  A good thing to keep in mind is that conditioners use a lot of power-most are not terribly efficient.   Fortunately It is possible to keep energy costs down and stay comfy cool this summer.

  1. Attic Ventilation – attics can easily overheat in direct sunlight.  Don’t be afraid to let the warm (hot) air out.
  2. Don’t use the stove or oven – Do you need to ask why?  Break out the BBQ or eat fruit on warm days.
  3. Clean out Central Air Condition duct work – if need be, hire a professional.  Clean duct work will save you money and provide healthier air.
  4. Replace filters on your window A.C. units – after a couple years you may want to consider replacing filters
  5. Change your shades/blinds – Use light colored blinds or curtains.   When it is warmer, keep them lowered.  At night raise ’em up, let the air flow.

Hazy Horizon - keep energy costs down.

Bonus Tip

Something to think about for the long term… consider planting a tree.  Not only will a grown tree help keep energy costs down, they provide great shade, they are great for the environment (also good for climbing, ropes swings and of course great place to hang a hammock)!

 

Brought to you by

Like This Article?

Subscribe today and we'll deliver new issues right to your inbox.
Table of Contents Back To Top