Money and Earth Saving Green Tips
Earth Day or any day, we need to remember the planet we live on! And Myrl has provided some great tips to save on energy and money at the same time! These are basic but important steps that we often forget!
We Americans are increasingly seeking ways to improve energy efficiency and saving around our homes - Not just in honor of our annual Earth Day observation.
Identifying where waste is occurring, can provide an avenue for significant energy saving remedy and savings. It's not only an Earth Friendly move, but cash saving as well.
The first time I had an energy audit performed was back when I first purchased my own home almost 30 years ago. Shortly thereafter, I added insulation, and in the following years converted to dual pane windows and replaced the HVAC system.
From another energy audit performed last year, I learned I was in good shape. I had been especially interested in knowing whether my HVAC ducting in the attic was leak free. I didn't want to be leaking heat or air out into empty attic space. The ducting was found to be in excellent condition. We changed out a few faucets to low-flow, weather-stripped a few exterior doors, and made a few other minor repairs, so my house would conserve energy better.
One place I had not considered needing possible attention was the door into the attic space. My attic door did not fit tightly. It leaked heat and cold. The door is now weather-stripped.
Here are other energy saving ideas worth considering for your home!
(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.
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