(1)   The costs associated with heating water in your home is typically about 12% of your utility bill.  There are a number of ways to lower your costs for heating water.  They include turning down the thermostat on your water heater, using less water, insulating your water heater, or buying a more efficient model.  Another important way to save on your water heating bill as well as saving water in general, is to repair all leaky faucets and drips immediately.

(2)   Savings in Heating and cooling costs can be achieved easily by lowering the thermostat in Winter, and raising it in Summer.  There is a premium for keeping the thermostat at 72% year round.  It is also important to change the filter on your Heat and Air unit regularly.

(3)   Lighting costs can quickly and easily be lowered by switching incandescent bulbs for CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Bulbs)

(4)  If you have a home built before the 1980s, performing an energy audit can be a very good way to assess what energy saving projects would be of considerable benefit to you.  These audits usually include evaluating your insulation, and caulking around windows and doors, as well as possible savings from installing dual pane windows.

For a complete assessment and advisory on energy savings, visit the very informative http://www.energysavers.gov website. 



Real Living Great West Real Estate
(916) 635-0420
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

 

 

 
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10 Comments on Earth and Money Saving Green Tips

APR
22
2009

Myrl...thanks for sharing the great tips today....peace zane
1:35pm • #1
1,089,538 Points 201 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Myrl, Good tips, everyone,  did a EarthDay post as well with some different kinds of links and reminders. I am going to get my software today for going the slide shows you nicely presented the tutorial for. The Big supplier in town was sold out. I heard that one of the Costco stores had several left. Many thanks again.
1:41pm • #2
530,570 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Myrl--love your tips.  We just installed a new Energy Star hot water tank, but haven't gotten an electric bill yet to compare usage.
4:12pm • #3
1,072,306 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

These are practical tips that can make a measurable difference that people can see.  Nice post Mryl.
5:28pm • #4
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Myrl,

Everyone's going green!  I'm getting bombarded by "green mortgage" tutorials from my various lenders.

Mike in Tucson
8:44pm • #5
935,539 Points 51 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Zane and William - You're very welcome!

Mary - Installing or purchasing Energy Star appliances is another important tip.

Gary - I'm glad it was to your liking:-)

Mike - I got an e-flyer today for classes on becoming a Green Agent. . .The cost for the class was $325.00.
11:11pm • #6
APR
23
2009
466,662 Points 2 Featured Posts

Myrl: great tips, all. thanks for a very informative blog. I'd never heard about the 12% and the water heater.
6:14am • #7
935,539 Points 51 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Janice - I hadn't really focused on the water heater either.  It always seemed that insulation and windows were the big ticket items however.
8:25am • #8
1,113,246 Points 101 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Myrl- I have a really hard time throwing out things that still work.  My microwave is over 20 years old, but yet I haven't replaced it with a more efficient model because it still works.  But when the time comes to replace my water heater (or maybe before, who knows) I want to replace it with a tank-less system that only heats the water you need to be heated.  A friend did and saw about a 5% decrease in her bill.  I certainly wish builders would start using those, seems such a waste to have water being kept hot while I work and while I sleep.
9:43am • #9
APR
24
2009
231,357 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Myrl, I'm all for going green unless it costs green. But I'm always up for green, cost-saving ideas.
7:21am • #10

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Myrl Jeffcoat

Sacramento, CA

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