These days, it’s easier than ever to go green at home. Many of the ways you can save energy cost little or no money, and you’ll be conserving considerable amounts of energy. You can start incorporating these practical tips today.
Shop Around for a Better Rate
If you live in a deregulated energy market, you have the power to choose your energy retailer. It’s the same electricity or natural gas you’ve always counted on to light and heat your home, but you can get it at a better rate when you compare providers. Check out websites, like www.texasenergycompanies.net, to get rates from providers in your area.
Saving Energy with Your Windows
Use a compass to figure out which windows in your home face north are which are southward. Install insulating shades on the windows to retain heat in the house. This way, you won’t have to use the central heating system as often or at a high setting. When you want to heat or cool your home, open or close the windows to get a breeze or to keep warmth in. If you live in an area that has very warm spring and summer seasons, install thermal shades on the outside of the windows to keep your house cool.
Save Energy with Your Lighting
Change all the light bulbs in your home to fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs last much longer (fluorescent bulbs work for a few years) and consume less energy. There is a small amount of mercury in fluorescent bulbs, however, and the EPA is partnering with bulb makers to give consumers more safe options for disposal and recycling. For now, the EPA recommends tying the bulb in two plastic bags and putting the bag outside for normal trash pick-up.
Save Energy with Heat Conservation
While your laundry dryer is still warm, use a filter to distribute the heat throughout the house. You can buy a bypass filter from your local home improvement store; the installation instructions are right on the package, and the only tool you’ll need is a screwdriver. The bypass features gives heat to the house, and the filter keeps the lint and debris from the dryer from finding its way into the air in your home. A bypass filter can also keep ice accumulation and rot from damaging the outside of your home. Just remember to keep the door open in the laundry room, since more moisture will settle in the space once you install the filter.
Save Energy with Your Appliances
Take special care of your appliances to keep them in their best condition. If you maintain these electronic items, they can help you save energy. Keep the ventilation grill in your refrigerator clean, and check your furnace, boiler and AC unit checked and repaired regularly, especially if the appliances are making strange noises.
Using the weatherstrip method will help to maintain the temperature of your home, and could keep you from wasting energy”and money. Weatherstrip all the windows and doors in your house, and if you have a mail slot in your door, weatherstrip it as well to make sure you’re not losing valuable heat in the summer and winter. Prevent air leakage in your home, and you’ll be conserving energy while significantly reducing your electricity bill.
These are just some of the everyday tips you can incorporate into your home. If you’re interested in being totally green, make an appointment with a consultant who can give you even more great ideas for conserving energy.