Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Energy Saving Ideas At No Cost To You

1. Lower the indoor temperature a few degrees in winter. Set it even
    lower to about 50 degrees when you on vacation. You'll save an
    average of two percent per degree on your electrical bill.

2. Close off unused rooms and lower the temperature setting your thermostat
    60 degrees of or adjusting the register. You'll save up to $60 per year.

3. Clean your furnace's fan with a soft brush and a vacuum often.

4. Open Shades and blinds to let sunlight during the day and close them
   to reduce heat loss at night. For cooling, close them during the day.

5. Fill clothes washers and dishwasher for more efficient energy use, rather
    than cleaning partial loads.

6. Skip the dishwasher drying cycle and cut 50% of energy use per cycle.

7. Wash clothes in cool water rather than hot water. 90% of total amount
    of energy used goes into heating the water and 10% into operating the
    actual appliance.

8. Clean clothes washer and dryer lint screens after every use.

9. Close fireplace damper when the fireplace isn't in use. If it's never used,
    insulate the flue.

10. Turn off  room air conditioners when you leave for about an hour or more.
     You could quickly cool the room later.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

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2nd Step Into Going Green

Conserve Energy and Money
 When turning your house green you need start focusing investments on projects
that cost little or no money. There are many energy saving strategies that require
small amount of skills. For example changing you lights, light bulbs, and installing
a programmable thermostat. Here some examples that will help you accomplish
you goals: 

DO IT YOUR SELF

     1.Replace Light Bulbs
     Fluorescent bulb use only 1/3 to 1/2 as much energy as standard bulbs,
     and also have a longer life span. Typically compact fluorescent bulbs cost
     about $ 3 each. And will pay for them self's in about 6 months to a year. 
    
     2. Replace Worn out Thresholds and Weather Seals
      By replacing all of your weather striping around your windows and doors
      you"ll be preventing your home from drafts and warm air leakage. Weather
      striping a window or a door most often cost about $10 to $30 per opening.
      And will pay for them self 's in about 1 to 3 years.

     3. Install a New Programmable Thermostat
       You could you heating and cooling bills by up to 15%. The cost of  a programmable
       thermostat cost anywhere from $30 an well over $100. Typical payback  ranges
       anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

     4. Check Your Heating and Cooling Ducts for air leaks
      By sealing off the joints and gaps you could save up to 10% on your
      heating and cooling bills. The cost of sealing your ducks could cost
      anywhere from $25 to $50. Typically will pay for it self in 1 to 2 years. 

     5. Install Light Controls
      Motion sensors, switches, photocells, timers will shut off light automatically
      when they're not needed.

     6. Insulate Water Heater
      Check owners manual or specifications to make sure a insulated blanket is
      recommended for your model.

     7. Change Furnace Filters
      Every month filters need to be change.