Saving energy, money, and the planet.

A recent hot button issue in today's media is whether or not you are "green" enough. No matter your opinion on the subject of Global Warming and Climate Change we are all probably in the same boat when it comes to reducing energy usage in your home. Whether your motives are to save the environment or to just get a lower energy bill every month, here are a few tips that I have put together for you.

1. We all have seen the energy friendly light bulbs. Depending on what type of lamp you are filling there are different types of bulbs that you can use. Many suggestions can be found at NBC's Website or you can just click HERE for a list of different lighting suggestions.

2. I had this car when I was in my teens and never got the oil changed. We can all guess what happened to that car after I drove it across the country and back. Changing the oil in your car is a mandatory task to assure that your cars performance stays in prime condition while you own the car. The same could be said about changing your air filters in your house. There have been many times that I've been in houses where the air filters were rarely or never changed and the house was just in disrepair. Make sure you change your filters once a month. One of the home inspectors I use regularly recommends the 3M Filtrete filters. You can find more information about them HERE.

3. Just last night as I was defrosting some salmon for my dinner a friend came over and berated me for defrosting it under running water instead of using the microwave on the defrost setting. I assured him that I was only following the directions on the salmon bag, and reassured him that I do shut off the water while I brush my teeth in the morning, which cuts down on your gas or electric bill, water bill, and also helps the environment.

4. Many people will use large blackout curtains to keep the sun out of there house during the hottest point of the day, while the sun is beating through the windows. This does help keep the heat out but it is not the most energy efficient way to accomplish your goal. If you were to get your windows professionally tinted, you would achieve basically the same goal. A good window film like a Huper Optik nanoceramic film will keep the heat out in the summer and trap the heat in during the winter. You also don't lose the view from that window like you do when you use blackout curtains. If you would like more information visit the Huper Optik site HERE or call 215-205-3455 to speak with an official dealer.

5. There are many different little fixes you can do to ensure that your house continues to conserve energy. Make sure that the weather stripping around your doors and windows is in good condition. Be sure to turn off lights in rooms that you aren't in. Don't stand in front of the refrigerator with the door open. Also, if you are running your air conditioner, turn it up a couple of degrees. Can you really tell the difference between 70 and 72 degrees? And the opposite when running your heat. The difference between 68 and 70 is minimal.

Now you know a few ways to save some money, conserve some energy, and maybe, just maybe help out the planet a little.

Comments or questions can be directed to me at MrWright79@KW.com, or you can IM me on AIM at KWRMatt, or you can call me between 0900 and 1900 EST at 703-393-1336. I look forward to the future because I will be meeting more of you each day, and in life you can never know enough people. Have a great day, and in case I don't see you, good afternoon good evening and good night.