Even if you’re not necessarily interested in the plight of the environment, being naturally more concerned with your current personal problems, you are likely looking for a few good ways to lower your utility bills. And if you’re a card-carrying tree-hugger who wants to conserve and preserve, then the monetary savings associated with your efforts are no doubt the icing on the organic cake. But if you’re new to the concepts and practices of environmentalism, you might not even realize that you could be saving money even as you reduce your carbon footprint. And you probably don’t have the first idea of how to get started when it comes to planning and implementing conservation efforts on the home front. So if you’d like to save some money on your energy bill while simultaneously doing the environment a favor, here are just a few great ways to achieve both ends.
Energy-star solutions. You’re not the first person seeking products that help you to use less energy at home. And since most people are looking to save in the process, shelling out thousands of dollars for solar panels is out of the question. Luckily, you can find all kinds of options on www.energystar.gov. You might think that appliances are their only offerings, but they also have solutions for lighting, windows and doors, HVAC systems, water heaters, computers, electronics, and more. The energy-star website can clue you in to all kinds of energy-saving options, and raising awareness is the first step towards a greener tomorrow.
Sleep mode. The increased use of computers and other electronics over the last few decades has significantly increased the amount of electrical draw for the average home. Just think about how often the television, DVR, and computer are running in your home. By programming electronic devices to fall into a sleep mode or even turn themselves off after a set amount of time goes by without activity you may be able to reduce the amount of energy you’re using (and paying for) unnecessarily.
Power down and unplug. Your parents always told you to turn off the lights when you left a room, and the same adage applies to your electronics. If they’re not in use you’ll save energy and cost by turning them off. Just keep in mind that such devices are responsible for phantom drain, which means they continue to draw minute amounts of energy even when they’re off. By attaching them to power strips that you can easily unplug you’ll stop this phenomenon and save a bit more on your monthly utility bill.
Programmable thermostat. Once you’ve got your appliances and electronics under control it’s time to address another major source of overages: the HVAC system. If your thermostat is an old-school dial it’s definitely time to upgrade to a digital, programmable system. This will allow you to maintain set temperatures throughout the day so that bought air isn’t going full-force during times when no one is home to enjoy it.
Plant a tree. Believe it or not, planting trees on your property could help to lower your energy bills (not to mention increase the supply of oxygen in and around your home). Trees can provide your house with cooling shade in the summer and a protective wind break during the cold winter months, helping you to maintain a livable temperature in the house with less demand for electrical means of temp control. You might need to call out a plumbing service like Filan & Conner, as well as an inspector from the gas company, to ensure placement that won’t interfere with your pipes (now or in the future). But from there it’s as simple as planting seedlings and watching them grow.
1 Comment