Tips to Save Energy
SAVING ENERGY
**If you sell your home do you need to have it Energy Certified? http://www.factcheck.org/2009/07/energy-bill-and-existing-homes/**
Do you know how much money are you spending on your Energy Bills? Well, according to Alliance to Save Energy, ‘the average U.S. residential household consumed 10,982 kWh of electricity and spent around $2,200 annually on utility bills’ Yes, that is right, you are probably using more energy that you need to! Just take a look at this blog on the 10 most energy wasting habits people have in their home.
Saving energy is not only about being cleaner and caring about the planet, it is also about using your resources more effectively. So, whether you want to stop wasting resources for the planet’s sake or save on energy (and other) bills, here are some steps you can take towards being more energy-efficient.
- Heating and Cooling
Close blinds on summer to keep your house cool and open them in winter to let sun in. In the colder months be careful with fans because the air coming from them can make your heating system work harder.Check for air leaks, any cracks in your home will let cold hair come in and hot air escape, this makes your heating system work harder and waste energy in the process. Look around your windows, anywhere wood meets concrete, sill plates, doors and air duct joints.
Make sure to install a programmable thermostat, according to Energy.gov, ‘You could save an estimated 10 percent per year on heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat, and by resetting it when you are asleep or away from home, you won’t have to sacrifice comfort.’
Want to know more? Read this Guide to smart Heating and Cooling from Energy Star, a voluntary energy-savings program of the U.S. government.
- Appliances
Just by pushing the ‘energy saver’ button on some or all your appliances, you will be making a difference on your energy consumption. But if you feel like you want to do more, and if you have the money, you can replace your old appliances for energy-efficient models. We recommend that you get appliances that are certified by Energy Star, here is a list of them. You can also reduce the use of electricity when electronics are not in use by plugging them to an advanced power strip.
- Transportation
If you are about to buy or replace your old car, you can get one that has good mileage, this will help you save money on gas and will reduce the CO2 emissions that come from your car.
We hope to have inspired you to take some steps towards using energy better, and to give you more inspiration, here, read this couple’s story on how they made their home more energy efficient.
