The beginning of the year is the ideal time to create a list
of goals, plans and resolutions. These lists often include life-improving
strategies such as establishing a new fitness regime; committing to a
post-holiday diet; de-cluttering your home; knuckling down with a new financial
plan; volunteering in the community; and spending more time with the family.
In addition to all of these worthwhile resolutions, have you
considered adding energy efficiency to the list? You can’t go wrong by making a
resolution based on The Energy Experts’ personal and professional motto: Save Energy.
Save the Environment. Save Money.
If you take even small energy saving steps throughout the
year, you can reap the rewards of cost savings, a more comfortable home
and a positive environmental commitment. In fact, saving energy is probably easier than
your new exercise regime!
Here are some relatively easy steps that will get you on the
path to your energy saving goal:
- Install a programmable thermostat that will efficiently manage your home’s heating and cooling systems while saving up to 10% on energy costs per year. Remember to keep doors and windows closed when heating or cooling your home.
- Schedule regular maintenance for your furnace and air conditioner. Don’t waste money on heating and cooling if your systems haven't been properly cleaned and serviced.
- Even with air conditioning, fans can be an effective way to circulate cool air during the hot summer months.
- Properly insulate and seal air leaks to ensure that you aren’t compromising your efficiency. Reduce energy waste and save up to 20% on your utility bills while increasing home’s comfort level.
- Use your windows shades to save energy. This is another incredibly simple action that can really help conserve energy. Close the blinds on the sunny side of your house during the summer and open the blinds in the winter to allow more sunlight.
- Buy Energy Star certified products such as home appliances, electronics and light bulbs. These products are easily identified by the Energy Star label that indicates the product adheres to efficiency guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Refrigerators use can use a lot energy. If you have an aging frig in the basement that stores extra beer and soft drinks, it’s an energy hog that is wasting a lot of money and energy. Recycle that old frig and replace it with an Energy Star model that can save you up to $300 per year.
- Switch to energy efficient lighting and save nearly $100 per year. Energy Star certified bulbs use about 80% less energy than traditional bulbs. LEDs are the highest rated energy saving bulbs plus they last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Use power strips for your home electronics such as TVs, DVD players and computers. Turn off the power strip and this prevents “vampire” energy drains from equipment that isn’t in use.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and use the energy saving setting. Also, only run the washing machine when the load is full and use the cold water setting.
- Use low-flow faucets and shower heads to conserve water and save on your water bills. Lower the thermostat on your water heat to 130 degrees F to save on energy costs.
The Energy Experts recommend the following Blog posts for
additional energy saving suggestions.
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