Most moms are on board with clipping coupons, shopping sales and living frugal lifestyles; but when it comes to making energy efficient choices in their homes, few of them practice the same budget stretching tactics.
Pick up any magazine or newspaper and you’ll find articles about skyrocketing gas, oil, electricity, and water prices. Authors point to the drastic economic and environmental impact these events have on the world. Our energy crisis is no longer an abstract concept, important only to congressmen and science gurus. This issue affects homes across the globe by dipping into bank accounts and making substantial withdrawals.
What’s a Girl To Do?
We all need to learn energy saving techniques and put them to good use. It’s not a difficult concept and you’ll save money too; energy efficient homes and apartments cost less to heat, cool and light.
Start with easy jobs, like turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, unplugging cell phone chargers and turning off lights when leaving a room; these simple changes immediately reduce utility bills.
Today
- Unplug countertop appliances you’re not using and purchase a few compact florescent bulbs.
Did You Know?
An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.
This week
- Properly inflate your car’s tires to increase efficiency and performance.
- Fix leaky faucets to stop wasting water and electricity.
Did You Know?
If each TV, DVD, and home theatre system purchased in the U.S. this year is ENERGY STAR qualified, we will prevent more than 3 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year. Blu-ray Disc players can qualify as a DVD product under the current ENERGY STAR specification.
This Month
- Pick up a tube of caulk to seal drafty windows and doors.
- Use Energy Star’s Save Energy @ Home Tool to learn how to save energy, money and the environment.
Did You Know?
Homeowners can save up to 20% of heating and cooling cost by properly insulating doors, windows, floors, ceilings and walls.
Within Three Months
- Research energy efficient appliances, and related federal and state tax credits. Start saving for your purchase so that you avoid potential credit woes.
Did You Know?
If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit – 30% of cost up to $1500.00. Some states also offer tax credits and many utility companies offer rebates on ENERGY STAR appliances. Not all ENERGY STAR rated devices are eligible for tax credits.
Within Six Months
- Install a programmable thermostat; the average user saves $180.00 a year.
- Purchase only ENERGY STAR rated devices when searching for new machines. If applicable, put receipts and additional paperwork with your year-end tax documents.
Did You Know?
ENERGY STAR qualified models are, on average, 10% more energy efficient than non-qualified models.
Anytime This Year
- Hire a home energy auditor or DIY. An audit helps you determine how much, and how efficiently your home is using energy and identifies possible improvements.
Did You Know?
Most of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling.
You can save energy and money while living well, having fun and showing Mother Earth a little love.
What are your thoughts? Have you taken advantage of rebates or tax credits? Are ENERGY STAR devices really better for the environment?
Resources:
Did You Know? – ENERGY STAR Program
Energy Efficient Dishwashers vs. Hand Washing: Which is Greener?
Utility Savings at Home Part 2: Energy Costs
Ad: 5 Minutes to a Lower Water Bill
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