I have tried to be a little more Earth conscious at my home and I have found that a few minor adjustments in my habits has also saved me some money. I did a little research on the internet and found some interesting statistics regarding some of the minor changes I made to my habits at home. These are very interesting:
- Last year, I installed aerators in my bathroom faucets and showerheads. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense program, aerators can reduce the water flow from the normal 2.2 gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons per minute, which is a consumption reduction of approximately 30 percent. While the impact was a minimal savings to my water bill, I did see some savings and I am conserving water, so I feel good about it.
- I have started utilizing the window treatments in my home more effectively. I read somewhere, not sure where, that if you keep your blinds and drapes open throughout the day during the cooler months, letting in natural solar heat can reduce your heating bills by up to 10 percent. During the warmer months, of course, keeping the blinds and drapes closed can also give you similar savings in your cooling bills.
- During the winter months, I have dropped my thermostat by 2 degrees. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, you can save 5 percent for every degree that you lower your home's thermostat setting during the winter. So far, it hasn't really gotten cold enough for me to see the difference in my bill, however, I do expect to realize a savings once it gets cold in Dallas.
I am still looking for other ways to save the planet and some money, if I can, so if anyone else has any other proven techniques or ideas, please let me know.
Please visit my website at www.TonyNuncio.com for your real estate needs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Thanks.
Tony Nuncio - November 30, 2007
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