Buy energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most-used lights. Although they cost more initially, they save money in the long run because they use only 1/4 as much energy as ordinary incandescent bulbs, while lasting 8 to 12 times longer. And fluorescents put out an equivalent amount of bright, […]
Daily Archives: 04/13/2014
21 posts
When it comes to heating and cooling, smaller is better! Oversize your furnace and it will turn of and on a lot. These things run most efficiently when warm. I know it is counter-intuitive, but sizing them so they will run and run is most efficient, and is also most […]
Refrigerators account for about 20% of household electricity use. Use a thermometer to set your refrigerator temperature as close to 37 degrees, and your freezer temperature as close to 3 degrees as possible. Make sure that the energy-saver switch is turned on; also, check the gaskets around your fridge-freezer doors […]
When you decide to replace old appliances, be sure to choose the most energy-efficient new models available. Look for the “Energy Star” label, so that you may be assured that what you buy saves energy and prevents pollution. In addition, be careful to buy models of the right size for […]
Solar PV systems take energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. They produce no air pollution, hazardous waste or noise and require no transportable fuels. Benefits of installing a PV system: Has very little impact on the environment, making them one of the cleanest power-generating technologies available. Government […]
Cut your grass with a push mower instead of a gas mower The exercise is good for you. You won’t breathe the noxious exhaust fumes. You won’t have to pay for gas. The roller effect is good for the grass. And, instead of annoying your neighbors with that loud gas […]
Making a decision not to turn on the air conditioning may mean a lifestyle change, but there are bigger lifestyle changes that will occur in the future. Earlier generations coped without air conditioning, so why can’t we?
Don’t use pleated air filters! You wouldn’t drive your car towing a hundred pound block around—don’t do that to your furnace! Overly restrictive filters slow airflow through your furnace—usually well below what the furnace requires for efficient operation. Reduced airflow leads to higher energy bills and durability issues, (overheating the […]
This thorough diagnostic test takes a whole house approach to analyze where you are losing the most energy. A good analysis will also give a good indication of return on investment for various improvements. Remember, money saved on energy bills is after-tax money—so $100 annual savings on a $1,000 investment […]
In winter set your thermostat at 68°F by day and 55 degrees at night. In the summer set the thermostat at 78 degrees. In winter, lowering it by two degrees reduces heating-related CO2 emissions by 6 percent. That adds up to a reduction of 420 pounds a year for a […]