More Energy Saving Tips
As I have written on this subject matter before, we all can use new ideas for saving energy. Some are no-cost, while others do cost some money. If you are replacing items, remember that between now and December 2010, your purchase may be eligible for tax credits (see GToM June 2009 for more details). Here we go!
- Consider installing solar panels. You can go several different routes, including a solar water heater, or going partially or completely off the grid with solar power. Other than the cost of the panels, they don't cost you anything to run, and use only the sun to operate (hence, solar power!). They also qualify for special tax breaks above and beyond the stimulus package (good until 2016). Click here for more details. For your information, if your solar panels are damaged by the wonderful weather we have in KS or NE from time to time, they typically are covered by your homeowners insurance policy, but check with your agent for specifics.
- Need a new roof? Consider color heavily in your choice! Studies have shown that the lighter the color of roof, the lower the temperature in the attic. Light colors reflect the light, while darker colors tend to absorb light and heat (same goes with cars). Bear this in mind when picking out a color for your new roof.
- If you need a new screen door, consider installing an aluminum one that meets energy star requirements. It helps to insulate the entryway into your home more than just a regular door.
- Clean out your air conditioner filter regularly. As you may know, it can get plugged easily by debris and dust floating around in the air, and your A/C doesn't run as efficiently.
- Have a fireplace in your home? Consider installing glass doors on it to ensure that no heat escapes out the trap. This will save you untold amounts of money in the winter heating months!
- Install fans in your house. Ceiling fans help pull heat from your ceiling and bring it to a usable level in the winter and do the same thing in the summer with cool air (all you have to do is switch the direction of the blades via the switch on the fan). Exhaust fans in your bathroom pull moisture out of the air and out of your house. Finally, whole house fans suck warm air out of your house, and with the windows open, replace it with the cool air from outside.
- Add an insulation blanket to your hot water heater. This is arguably the most used appliance in your home year round, and by wrapping a blanket around it can save you up to 15% of your hot water heater's operating cost per year. In other words, if your water heater costs on average $500 per year to operate, an insulation blanket will save you up to $75 per year!
- I know this one has been done before, but recycle, recycle, recycle! If you recycle, great! Now your mission it to help family and friends make the easy transition to recycling! Start by making different bins to place recyclable materials (plastics, newspaper, cans, cardboard, ect). Then, inform them where they can take their materials (and sometimes when, depending on where you live).
