Home | Green Building & Energy Savings
The holidays are a wonderful time, but opening your utility bill in January can make you drop to your knees. If you are tired of paying high energy costs, here are some things you can do. 1. If you have an attic, you undoubtedly are wasting money on your heating bill. Take a close look at the entrance to the attic. If it is a drop down from the ceiling, hot air is moving up and through it. 2. When considering the layout of solar panels on your home, it is vital that you consider how to maximize the exposure to the sun. This is known as "orienting" and involves placeing the panels in such a position that they receive as much sun as possible. 3. Check the Pressure in Your Tires ? Underinflated tires can reduce gas mileage by 3 to 5 percent and wear out the tires. Make sure to maintain pressures at the top end of the suggested psi of the tire. 4. Consolidate Your Errands ? Every time you head out to run errands, you are eating up your car fuel. Try to do all your errands at just one time. 5. Cut Lighting Costs ? The lights in your home are huge money wasters. Switch to CFL lights. They last up to 10 times longer and cost less to run. 6. Energy Tax Credit Forms ? The government is trying to promote energy efficiency by giving you tax credits for taking action. If you buy energy efficient products for your home, you can claim them on IRS form 5695. 7. Tire Air Pressure ? Your tires are the single most important factor in your gas mileage. If they are underinflated, you are dragging them along. 8. Window Energy Wasters ? If you turn on the heater or air conditioning, make sure all your windows are really closed. Most sliding windows will catch just before actually closing because of their locking mechanism. 9. Window Energy Costs ? Windows allow for the transfer of heat in a big way. Closing curtains or blinds over them at night can cut down on the rate of heat loss, saving you tons on your bill. 10. Changing Car Filters ? Two energy wasters on your car are the fuel filter and air filter. Change them every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Any oil change location can do it. You should notice that the above tips do not really require you to make any drastic changes in your life. It is more a matter of eliminating the sloppy things to save some serious money.
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