6 Unusual Ways to Save Energy

Okay – so we’ll get straight to the point and let you know these tips will seem kinda “out there.” They’re typically only for hardcore energy savers.

But who knows? Maybe you’ll like these ideas. And maybe they’ll simply inspire your own thinking into some additional ways you can save energy.

Get ready. Here they are:

1. Collect Water with a Rain Barrel

This may be the most routine idea of the bunch. Install a 50-gallon barrel to collect rain water.

But don’t worry – we’re not going to tell you to bathe in it or drink from it. Instead, you can use it for a variety of other common uses – watering your garden, washing your car windows, or even washing your house’s windows.

To prevent mosquito infestation, simply add a quarter cup of vegetable oil once per week. That kills their larvae before they hatch.

2. Cook Several Meals at the Same Time

Clearly you have to be a good multitasker to make this one work. If you can do that, this tip works well to save you some energy because your oven uses the most energy as it warms up.

And not only will you save energy, but if you prepare all your meals for the week at the same time, you save a good chunk of time too.

3. Let Your Oven’s Excess Heat Help Your Home

We’re not saying to turn your oven on and heat your own. Please don’t do that. It’s not safe because when used this way, you run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Instead, when you finish cooking, don’t close your oven’s door right away. Rather, let that excess heat out into your home.

That saves you energy. And it’s safe too.

4. Reduce the Amount of Water Used Per Flush

You don’t need to install a low-flow toilet to achieve this. Instead, fill a plastic bottle or jug and put it in your toilet’s tank.

Since it takes the place of water that would otherwise fill the tank, your toilet doesn’t fill as much. And instead, you use that much less water per flush.

5. Put Cold Shower Water to Use

We’re not advising you to take a cold shower here. That’s just plain torture. But, you know that water that’s cold just as you turn your shower on?

Catch it with a 5-gallon bucket. Then, put that water to good use. Water your garden or lawn, or use it to wash your windows.

6. Exercise Early in the Morning

How does this one save you energy? Doesn’t sound like it helps you much in that regard at first.

But, when you exercise first thing in the morning, this gets your blood flowing, which helps you feel warmer during the day. As a result, you won’t need to keep the heat as high or the air conditioning as cool.

Energy saved!

So, you might not have heard those tips before. But they certainly can save you some energy.

Do any make sense for you?