Energy Savings Tips

Visit http://aceee.org/consumer

This is the time of year when the heat goes on and utility bills increase – just when we prefer to spend money on holiday gifts or events.   Fortunately, there are many things we can do to save energy and money, but it can often be overwhelming to know exactly what could provide the biggest “bang for your buck;”  i.e., what kind of difference will your actions make. Fortunately, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy put together this handy list.  Click here for the full list. 

It is broken into 4 sections:

• Things to do right away, like: 
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F).  You will not only save energy, you'll avoid scalding your hands.
• Start using energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers
• Replace some of your incandescent lights (particularly the 60-100W bulbs used several hours a day) with compact fluorescents (CFLs). These lights can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescents. 
• Things to do this week, like:
• Visit the hardware store. Buy a water-heater blanket, low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, and compact fluorescents, as needed.
• Things to do this month, like:
• Schedule an energy audit (click for NYSERDA page) for more expert advice on your home as a whole.
• Things to do this year, like:
• Insulate. If your walls aren't insulated, have an insulation contractor apply blown-in insulation (cellulose or fiberglass) to the walls. Bring your attic insulation level up to snuff.

(Read the rest of the list here)