In celebration of Earth Day this week, I wanted to share some simple energy and earth saving tips for your home:

USE COMPACT FLUORESCENTS OR LED LIGHTS   

We can all save energy inside and outside our homes by replacing traditional light bulbs with new compact fluorescent or LEDS. They are more expensive, but they last longer and will save energy.

TURN LIGHTS OFF

Remember to turn all lights off if you are not using them.  We have cut our energy bill substantially this way. Also remind your family to turn off their computers and other electronics when not in use.  

INSTALL LOW FLOW TOILETS AND SHOWERHEADS

Install low flow toilets and showerheads in your bathrooms to save gallons of water per year.

INSTALL SOLAR WATER HEATERS AND POOL HEATERS 

Install solar water and pool heaters. If you cannot afford to go solar, then reduce your energy use by lowering the temperature on your water heater or shut off the pool heater. Here in Boca Raton, the climate conditions are such that you don't really need to use your pool heater. Let the sun heat your pool.  In the summer months, our pools warm up like a bathtub.  

DO DISHES AND WASH CLOTHES AFTER MIDNIGHT 

At our home, we turn the dishwasher and washing machines on after midnight.  Electricity use at that time is much less than at peak hours of the day, and it helps save energy and cuts our electrical bill. 

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

Since the climate in Boca Raton is warm year round, we do not use much heat.  However, you can certainly cut down your air conditioning use by maintaining your systems on a yearly or semi-yearly basis by installing clean filters and setting the temperature control at 78 degrees.  Installing ceiling fans, keeping west and south facing blinds and shades closed during peak day time hours and installing energy saving windows also help reduce energy costs.   

For information about Boca Raton Real Estate, please contact us.

Sources:  http://www.regeneration.org/tips-downloads/ 

              http://ecologue.com/ShowArticle/10-Ways-to-Live-Greener-Today