Conserve Energy

     Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. We have all heard that phrase. But have you ever really tried to Reduce what you use everyday?  There are so many things that you can do that reduce your household waste, saves you trips to the dump and makes those trashcans you drag to the curb every week WAY lighter!

     But, did you know you can reduce your home energy usage by doing some simple things that don't cost that much $$$? It can be as simple as turning the lights off when you leave a room or buying timers for your bathroom fart-fan. Here are some tips that can help you reduce your energy consumption?

Programmable Thermostats

You can spend anywhere from $12 to $300 for a thermostat that you can program for your daily routine. Save power while you are gone, have the house ready when you get home. Let the thermostat work for you. The Nest is great because it lkeeps track of your habits and learns to set itself. You don't have to do anything! 

Home Energy Audit

You feel those drafts, but where are they coming from? The windows don't close right, but does it make a huge difference? A Home Energy Audit will measure the air exchange from inside to outside, and find where the leaks are. With thermal imaging, you get a clear picture of where your home needs sealing to keep your money from going out the window.

LED Bulbs

LEDs save you about 10% on you power bill and last an estimated 25 years! No more climbing on the sink to change a burned out bulb! You find them at your local home improvement store or even the supermarket.  Prices have dropped to avg. $8 per, which you more then make up for in savings. Not to mention, CFLs contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Nasty.

 Energy Star Program

The EPA's "voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency." You get tax rebates when you replace older appliances. When you need a new dryer or are remodeling the kitchen, you can reduce your energy needs with Energy Star. Visit the Energy Star site to learn more about the program. 



Attic Insulation

While you will have to shell out some money to upgrade whatever you have in your attic, the savings in energy loss should pay you back in a few short years. Most heat escapes through poorly insulted attics. Adding twelve inches of blow-in insulation makes a big difference. You can also add a solar attic fan, which moves the hot air out in the summer and improves the air circulation in the winter to keep mold and moisture at bay.

New Windows and Doors

This can get a little pricey, so it depends on how far you want to go. Old windows leak like a sieve, so upgrading to Energy Star rated windows and doors save you money in the long run, and make the house more comfortable. Newer homes built since 2005 will most likely have more them, but older homes will most likely be metal and glass, which soak up cold like a sponge. Vinyl windows or sliders with argon gas and double or triple panes as well as metal insulted doors will save you around 15-20% on heating and cooling bills. If you live in an older home and and are looking to do some renovations, new windows and doors are a great investment.



Solar Power

Why not make your own energy! The cost of solar is dropping to levels never before imagined. These days, it cost the same to power with solar as it does with dirty energy. Don't let the recent drop in oil prices fool you; energy cost will continue to rise. You can sell your excess energy back to the power grid or store it in batteries back-up systems and see an ROI in 5+ years! You can also heat your hot water with the Sun, which reduces costs even more! The best part...no nasty emissions.