neurotic energy efficiency

I have to admit some of the energy efficiency steps I take come off as a little neurotic.

I do the normal steps of buying more efficient bulbs, turn-off lights when I leave the room, and keeping blinds partly closed during the day when I don't need the light. I buy energy star appliances and try to make other smart choices.

I also keep the thermostat set, so that the AC only runs about 1-2 hours during summer day. Which seems normal until you realize I live in FL and work from home usually. This means my house stays between 81-85 degrees in the summer, which is not normal. I grew up here and had a mom who didn't turn-on the AC except for 3 months of the year. But honestly things have been heating up for the last ten years; I believe it is partly the result of more paving retaining heat that keeps the city from cooling down at night.

Another neurotic conservation measure is how I keep my electronics on power strips that I turn off when they are not in use. I have read that our VCRs, DVDs, computers and other devices consume most of their energy when not turned on (unless you run these devices more than 6 hours a day). The dead power strips also provide me with extra peace of mind that my stuff will not be fried in the event of a lightning strike during one of our notorious afternoon storms.

Finally, I routinely vacuum under my fridge and AC, as well as using a special attachment to clear my dryer vent hosing. I remove the covers and use a swiffer and special vacuum fixture to clean the coils. I have a tube extension with a duster end that feeds through the venting hosing that I use once a month to ensure my dryer works at maximum efficiency. I inherited my washer and dryer, which were highly efficient when purchases 7 years ago, but they now need work to be kept in top form.

Well these are some of my quirks, I would love to hear what others do. Who knows maybe I could pick up a few more peculiarities.