Change.
It is one of the hardest things for us as human beings to master. Even those of us who thrive on change and claim to embrace it have our areas that are still hard to change. Sometimes it just takes a change in mindset, a little education or some practical tools and steps to get the ball rolling. Well below is some key information we gathered from the US Green Building Council. It's a great way to kick start making some changes in your home and family to save money, energy, preserve the planet, and live healthier lives.
Let us know if and how this was helpful for you.
Here are the first 7 on Lowering Your Utility Bills!
1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can be a huge energy saver. Replace some (or all) of your incandescent fluorescents and enjoy reductions in heat production, energy use, and electric bills! Savings: Five of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year!
2. Program Your Thermostat
When you are at home, keep the thermostat at 78°F or higher in the summer and 62°F or lower in the winter eficiently. Programmable thermostats allow you to program the systems to reduce output when they are not needed (e.g., when no one is home during the day, or in the evening when everyone is sleeping).
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
This simple step can go a long way toward keeping your home at the temperature you desire, saving
money on heating and air conditioning bills and more. Common leaks occur around windows, doors, and
other wall penetrations. Plugging those leaks with weather stripping and caulk can be a simple task for
anyone!
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
Have a checkup for your HVAC system every 2 years to make sure it is running efficiently. Be sure to clean filters monthly during times of peak usage; a dirty filter can significantly reduce the efficiency of your HVAC.
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $100 per year or more!
5. Choose ENERGY STAR Appliances, their qualified products meet a high level of energy efficiency, which can translate into savings on electric bills. When considering the price of a new appliance, take into account not only the purchase price, but also the long-term savings associated with an energy-efficient appliance!
More info on green power can be found at: http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/index.shtml..gov/greenpower/markets/index.shtml
Savings: Reduce your energy bill by $50 per appliance per year or more!
6. Reduce Water Use
• Indoor: Use less water by adding aerators (available for a few dollars at your local home supply
store) to your sink faucets and changing to low
• Outdoor: Incorporate native plants in your landscape plan and minimize high-maintenance landscaping such as turf grass to conserve water, while still maintaining a beautiful lawn.
Savings:Reduce your water bill by as much as $100 per year!
7. Switch to Green Power
Green Power is an optional utility service for customers who want to help expand the production and• Indoor: Use less water by adding aerators (available for a few dollars at your local home supply
store) to your sink faucets and changing to low
• Outdoor: Incorporate native plants in your landscape plan and minimize high-maintenance landscaping such as turf grass to conserve water, while still maintaining a beautiful lawn.
Savings:Reduce your water bill by as much as $100 per year!
7. Switch to Green Power
distribution of renewable energy technologies. With green power, you do not have to change your electricity
provider. Instead, customers choose to pay a premium on their electricity bill to cover the extra cost
of purchasing clean, sustainable energy.
More info on green power can be found at: http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/index.shtml..gov/greenpower/markets/index.shtml
(The last 9 Ways focus on products and greening your yard...stay tuned)
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