Goal For The Green

It’s that time of year, when we need to do all we can to keep warm, and save money, on our electric bill.  Think of it like, getting an oil change, or maintenance, on your car.  The only difference is, you are doing it on your house.

Creating and maintaining, a healthy indoor environment is most important to anyone who suffers from allergies.  Regardless, of their needs, the savvy customer knows, that there are dehumidifiers, that reduce mold and mildew, and air purification/ventilation systems that can ease their symptoms.  If you use wood heat, it is important to have a tea kettle near by, to keep some moisture in the air.  It all helps, to stay well, and free from colds and flu.

There are a number of different ways, in addition to how your home is insulated, that can save energy and money, while ensuring that your home is energy efficient.  Here, are a few things you should do, year-round, to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.

■Weatherize. Check for drafts around windows, and doors with a piece of tissue paper attached to a string.  If the paper moves, air is leaking in or out. Also, check behind your outlet covers, especially on your outer walls.  A lot of heat can escape there.  There are gaskets you can get to put behind them, that acts like insulation. By adding the proper amount of weatherstripping and caulking, around your window and doors, you can increase your energy savings by up to 10%.
■Close off unoccupied rooms, and if possible, close the vents in them.  Why heat unused spaces?
■Insulate your  hot water heater, with a hot water heater blanket, and wrap your pipes.  Be sure also, to check your ducts, and be sure they are clean.
■Install water-saving shower heads, or flow restrictors.  These inexpensive devices will pay for themselves in a few months, and you will barely notice any change, to the water flow or pressure.
■Install energy-efficient doors and windows, which can help reduce fuel costs, up to 15%.  If you can’t afford to do this, and have blinds, instead of draperies, break out some extra blankets, to tack up over your windows.  This, can help a lot in the biting cold, or if you find yourself, without power.
■Choose energy-efficient kitchen appliances, with the Energy- Star logo. They may cost more initially, but can save you money by reducing your energy use.  You will notice it in your bill, quickly.

Winter is generally the time of year, when we use the most energy. The following tips and ideas, will help maximize your home’s energy efficiency, and should help conserve, on your overall heating costs.

■Once a year, it is a good idea, to clean and inspect all central heating equipment, such as furnaces and boilers. The cleaner and more efficient they are, the bigger your energy savings, adds up.  A properly adjusted furnace can help save you up to 10%, in fuel consumption.  Check with your power company, or a contractor, if you are in doubt, about what needs to be done for maximum efficiency.  Yes, there really is such a thing, as an energy, or furnace tune-up!
■ Be sure to change furnace filters, once a month. You’ll be surprised, at how much dust collects in them.  Doing this, helps to keep everyone well, too.
■ Remember, to close energy-stealing openings, such as fireplace dampers, if not in use.
■Set your  thermostat at 65 degrees F during the day, and 55 degrees F at night. Again, break out the fleece pajamas, and blanket up!
■Vacuum radiators and registers frequently. Remember, cleaner is more efficient.
■Cover your window air-conditioning unit, to prevent cold air from entering through the vents.  If it can be taken out of your window, during the Winter, then that will be a big help, from heat escaping.

Another way, to green-up your lifestyle, is to check with your power company, about signing up for Green Power.  Green Power, is electricity that is renewable and non-polluting, from sources like the wind and sun. The more Green Power we use, the less harm we do to the environment, while also investing in renewable resources.

Here’s hoping, you put these ideas to good use, as we work toward many greener and better tomorrows.