January 10th, 2015 has been designated National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Energy remains an important topic to all of us. The goal of this day is to remind us of the importance of taking steps to ensure that we are using energy sensibly and efficiently. The wise use of energy should always include conserving it. Doing so is not only good for the health of your home and the environment but it rewards the wallet as well.
We’ve listed a few steps you can take to help you cut your energy costs and maintain a healthier home and planet.
- Arrange for yearly heating system tune-ups. These visits usually include: checking for gas leaks; cycling the furnace; cleaning the blower, flame sensor, burner and burner departments; changing filters; cycling the condensation pump and much more. This checklist is usually universal for heating furnace tune-ups. Usually reasonably priced, these tune-ups can save you up to three to ten percent on your heating costs.
- If you are advised to change your furnace, consider alternative energy resources like solar. Solar heat is clean, dependable, safe and more affordable than most people realize. If that’s not the route you want to take, make sure you purchase an energy efficient heating system.
- Follow the Department of Energy’s thermostat guidelines: save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F while you’re awake and setting it lower while you’ are asleep or away from home. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save 5% to 15% a year on your heating bill. During the summer months, you can set your central air conditioning thermostat to 78°F (26°C). Operate your air conditioner only when you are at home.
- Consider reducing oil fouling in your air conditioner. Oil fouling decreases your air conditioner’s efficiency.
- Clean heating, air conditioning and dryer vents regularly.
- Properly insulate and seal your attic. The health, safety and energy efficiency of your home begins with a well-insulated attic. Choose an insulation with the best sealing capability, asbestos or fiberglass free, non-flammable and impervious to animal nesting. NASA inspired multi-layered insulation and sealing products have proven to be the most safe and effective.
- Switch to LED lighting. Actually, incandescent bulbs, though available for purchase, are no longer manufactured. LED bulbs are as bright as incandescent bulbs, more energy efficient and last longer. Just remember to extinguish any lights when you leave a room or your home.
- Unplug computers, chargers and appliances that are not in use.
- Showers use less water than baths. If possible reduce the length of time during which you shower.
- Replace old windows with more energy efficient ones.
- Run dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded.
- Lower water heater temperature.
These are just a few suggestions on how you can conserve energy in your home, making it safer, cleaner and healthier. Energy conservation is no longer a choice…it is a mandate if we are to address climate change and save the planet for the generations that follow. So, come January 10th, examine your home and lifestyle to see what improvements you can make to save energy money and most of all – Mother Earth!
