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 A few simple changes in your home practices will have you--and your savings account--seeing green (CNNMoney.com). In the past year, environmental concerns have become increasingly important to individuals, corporations, and the government. It’s easy to get caught up in the big threats--such as global warming--and feel too small to make a difference. But there are many little things you can do to reduce the amount of energy you use and, as a bonus, you’ll trim your home energy bill. CNNMoney.com and the U.S. Department of Energy offer tips to help you decrease your environmental footprint and increase the size of your wallet:
- Look for problem areas. The Department of Energy has a free energy audit on its website (energy.gov) that will help you find areas of your home that are leaking energy.
- Plug the leaks. Light a candle by a door or window and watch where the flame flickers to find leaks, and then seal them. If you also repair leaky air ducts, you could save up to 30% on your annual energy bill.
- Power up on a power strip. Plug home appliances such as TVs, DVD players, computers and monitors, cell phone chargers, MP3 chargers--you get the point--into power strips and turn the power strips off when you’re not using them. Even small chargers that are plugged in without anything charging on them use electricity.
- Change your light bulbs. Switching to compact florescent light bulbs can save lots of money. Don’t worry--these versions will have about the same warm glow as traditional bulbs. You shouldn’t notice a difference--except when your energy bill arrives.
- Shop around. Buying a new dishwasher? TV? Computer? Look for appliances that have the Energy Star® label; they use 20% to 75% less energy than their energy-hogging alternatives. If you’re buying a new TV, consider an LCD version over a plasma model and you’ll save about half the energy. Need an excuse to buy a new computer? A flat screen monitor uses one-third the energy that an old, boxy monitor uses.
- Install--and use--a programmable thermostat. Turning the thermostat up in summer or down in winter when you’re sleeping or away from home saves energy.
- Revamp your laundry habits. Wash clothes in cold or warm water and you’ll use up to 90% less energy than you would with hot water, and your clothes will get just as clean. Wash full loads whenever you can, and when you must wash a smaller load, adjust the water level accordingly.
These ideas are just a start--visit the Department of Energy’s website for many more ways to save energy and money in your home.
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