DON’T LET HIDDEN ENERGY COSTS DRAIN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT What to Do About Your Home’s ‘Energy Vampires’
We’ve all been there: You’re hit with an unusually high energy bill and you aren’t sure why. While we expect our energy bills to increase during certain times of the year, we still expect some consistency. When there are unusual bumps, we want to know why. In some cases, these unusual bumps can be traced to hidden energy drains, or “energy vampires.” Most of these energy vampires are far more insidious than a noticeable bump to your energy bill. Why? Because we’re often paying for electricity we didn’t even realize we were using.
fact that practically every electronic device made today stays “on” even when we turn it off. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that these electronics — while off — still contribute to more than 10% of household energy bills. Some electronics offer settings that allow people to truly turn them off, but even that’s not a guarantee. Another option, however, is to use energy-saving power strips or plug-ins. These power strips allow you to control power to select devices — and ensure these devices are only powered when you want them to be.
to dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, make sure you run larger, less frequent loads. Running the appliances for smaller loads is very costly — even with ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. One of the biggest energy drains in the home is the electric water heater. For the most part, that’s to be expected. But what people don’t realize is that sometimes, the water temperature is set too high. In this case, your water heater has to work extra hard to keep the temperature up, resulting in an energy drain. The best way to combat this is to simply lower the temperature on the unit.
APPLIANCES Appliances like refrigerators,
What are these energy drains and what can you do about them?
dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers can be used very inefficiently. Refrigerators, for example, work best when they’re full. If you have a fridge with only a few things in it, you’re wasting a lot of energy. When it comes
ELECTRONICS TVs, PCs, surround sound equipment, and video game consoles typically drain energy. It comes down to the simple
3 GREAT WAYS TO AGE NATURALLY WITHOUT PAINS Age Better With Mother Nature
Aging is inevitable, but the pain, fatigue, and skin distortion that normally comes with it don’t have to be. Despite new anti-aging treatments and serums coming out every day, the answer to aging gracefully and healthily may actually be provided by Mother Nature. Before you reach for the latest trend in anti-aging, try one of these “home remedies” instead.
TRY SOMETHING NEW Your brain is like any other muscle in your body. It needs exercise in order to grow. Just as walking or lifting weights is vital to the growth of your biceps and quadriceps, trying new things just might improve your brain health. Scientists have discovered that when your brain is challenged or confronted with something new, it creates a new neural pathway. This is your brain’s way of growing! This new pathway may be the key to lowering your risk of developing dementia, too. So, go ahead and pick up that skiing hobby or learn how to woodwork! Your brain may need it.
STAY SOCIALLY ENGAGED This past year has been difficult for those who crave social interaction — especially for those aged 65 and older. Studies have found that humans don’t thrive in social isolation, and in fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links loneliness among older adults with increased rates of chronic conditions and diminished cognitive function. To curb aging, stay engaged with local clubs or groups, join volunteer organizations, find a part-time job, or travel to see your loved ones. As vaccinations continue, find your freedom again and age better!
EAT COLORFUL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
The same compounds that give food its color can also fight aging. For example, sweet potatoes are orange because of beta carotene, which is transformed into vitamin A and can protect against skin blemishes. Furthermore, spinach contains the highest amount of naturally occurring vitamin K, an essential vitamin for reducing inflammation. Try adding a variety of colorful vegetables to the grill or whip up a berry crumble for a delightful, anti-aging medley.
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