There are many ways to save money on our bills at home by just being more energy efficient. Being more energy efficient is not only good for our wallets but for the world we live in. Here are some simple tips how greening up our lifestyle can make a difference all around us;
Have and Energy Audit
For buildings that are older than 25 years, energy audit & improvement generally output a 25%-35% minimization in energy use. There are Federal government grants available in funding the improvements.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
For every 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 C) you lower your thermostat, you save 2% of energy use. Lowering the room temperature in the evening and when there is nobody at home can have a sizable impact on your heating costs. A programmable thermostat allows you to figure when your heating system can reduce temperature.
Seal Out The Cold
Lower the heat lost from your home by getting rid of drafts around windows, doors, baseboards and outside of wall openings. This could save you up to 15% of your heating costs. Use caulking, expanding foam and weather stripping to seal air leaks. Seal electrical outlets and switches on outside walls with foam gaskets.
Understand Water Heating Options
Consider your options before replacing your existing hot water system. And on demand water heater provides hot water only when needed, but doesn't use energy to keep water hot in the tank. These systems are used extensively in Europe and can save up to 30% in energy costs. Solar water systems are a great green heating source that pre-heat water for the existing water system, therefore reducing the energy needs by an average of 50% over the four seasons.
Free Heat- Passive Solar
In the winter, the sun can provide some help to heating your home. It's as simple as opening the blinds to let the sun in. This is referred to as passive solar energy, a great form of green heating. Depending on the number of windows on the south side of your home, this can save you up to 5% on heating. Remember to keep the blinds closed at night to keep the heat in.
Turn Off Heat Sources in the Summer
Shut off the pilot light in your furnace and fireplace in the summer.
Plant Some Trees
Plant evergreen trees on the north side of your home to act as a wind break. Wind can rob a structure of heat. Using the natural protection of trees is an excellent way to help retain the heat in our homes.
Install Ceiling Fans
Install ceiling fans to circulate heat in the cathedral ceilings or high ceilings. Heat rises so circulating the air from the ceiling to the floor with help keep the lower portions of the room warmer.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Washing your clothes in cold water saves energy required to fill the water heater. It's easy to go green now that there are many laundry detergents available specifically for use with cold water.
Dry Your Clothes Naturally
A clothes dryer requires a lot of energy, so why not switch to air drying your clothes on a clothes tree? When you do use your dryer, clean the lint filter thoroughly after each load and don't over dry the clothes.
Reduce Summer Cooling
Set your air conditioner to 75 F (24 C) and raise it when you leave, or set your programmable thermostat to do this for you. For each degree set below 75 degree Fahrenheit (25 C), you will use 3% to 5% more energy. The energy saving tip will give you the most comfort at the least cost.
Use Compact Florescent Light Bulbs
The existing light bulb we are used to is technology from over 100 years ago. It is inefficient and produces heat. A common energy saving tip is to use a Compact Florescent Light (CFL). The bulbs cost more to purchase but, they save you money in the end because of the life of the bulb. They last much longer that incandescent bulbs, run cooler , and use almost 80% less electricity. Some people object to the color of the light, so what you need to shop for is Warm White, which is much closer to the light from a traditional bulb. Remember to keep the bulbs once they burn out for disposal with hazardous wastes such as batteries as they contain mercury.
Eliminate the Power Drain
Many electronic devices use power when they are plugged in and turned off. Use the power strips and timers to eliminate power suckers. If you want to understand how much electricity is being used, get a Watt Reader, which will show you how much energy is being used.
Turn Off Your Computer When it is Not in Use
A computer left on for 24 hours uses the same amount of energy as a 13w Compact Florescent light bulb left on for almost 10 days. Most people wouldn't leave a light on for 10 days, so why does it make sense not to turn off the computer? Some people are concerned that this energy saving tip will wear out the hardware faster, but those are outdated thoughts. In the last decade, computer hardware has evolved and will not be adversely affected by turning the machine on and off. Plug in your computer to a power strip and shut off the strip after shutting down the computer.
Add Shade to Reduce Air Conditioning
Planting deciduous trees (trees with leaves that fall off in the winter) on the sunny side of a building will block the summer's sun from heating it up, and in the winter, after the leaves are off the tree, the sun will help heat up the building. Sometimes, all we need to do is look at nature to learn some energy saving tips.
Original Article by: the Carbon Diet.
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