Saving energy has become everyone’s responsibility and fortunately, there are many small steps that can be taken, that can add up to huge savings of both energy and money and by following just a few of these guidelines, you will be amazed at just how easy it can be:
- Look for the Energy Star logo on appliances (both big and small). This is a government backed, voluntarily labeling program that can help consumers identify energy efficient products and you can feel comfortable encouraging any manufacturer that is participating in the program;
- Consider installing programmable thermostats that can automatically adjust temperatures for greater efficiency;
Close blinds and windows in the summer as this will reduce the heat levels in your home by 40% and will prevent your furniture from fading; - Leave the blinds open in the winter to benefit from free solar heating;
- Consider your landscaping. Tall trees planted in the East and West sides can block sun and keep your home naturally cooler;
- Evergreens and shrubs that are approximately 20 feet from your home will act as effective windbreakers;
- It is estimated that “smart landscaping” can save you up to 50% on your cooling and heating bills;
- Consider painting your home a lighter color as darker ones attract the sun and heat the interior of your home on hot summer days;
- Consider covering your roof with a bright white coating to reduce roof heat;
- Avoid unnecessary hot water usages by replacing high flow shower heads with more energy efficient models;
- Turn off leaky faucets or have them repaired – it is estimated that for every hot water faucet that leaks at the rate of 1 drop per second, there is an output of 2400 gallons of hot water every year;
- Log ontohttp://www.energystar.gov/for more information on how to save energy.
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