Tips on Going Green
Go Green…Keep our Community Clean:
Our homes account for more than 20 percent of our national energy demand and produce more than 20 percent of our national carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, according to Save Energy, the average home emits twice as much CO2 as the average car.
· Energy Audit: the best way to reduce your homes energy use is to have an energy audit by your local utility company or go to www.energystar.gov and click on Home Improvement to compare your homes energy efficiency with that of similar homes across the country.
· Run a Tight Ship: Caulk and weather strip leaks around windows, vents, attics, crawl spaces and basements. Using tape or mastic to seal connections on heat ducts, then wrapping ducts in insulation can make your homes heating system up to 20 percent more efficient.
· Take Action: Find out what types of green power is available to you: www.eere.energy.gov/green power. To see what tax credits your state offers, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable energy at: ww.dsireusa.org.
· Thermostats: Turn your thermostat down three degrees in winter and program your thermostat way down at night and when you are away during the day.
· Smart Power strips: These can be purchased for around $35 apiece at any hardware store. Switch the power strips off at night, when you are not home or away for an extended time and not using your appliances. You have energy drain known as “phantom load” also known as standby power or idle current.
· Buy Green: Energy Star appliances can save you up to $50 a year on your energy bill. Did you know a plasma screen high-definition TV uses twice as much energy as a LCD screen? Switch to compact florescent bulbs; you will use 75 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
· Turn Off the Tap: Start by fixing leaky pipes and fixtures. When replacing toilets, buy a dual-flush model. Install low-flow showerheads. www.wateruseitwisely.com/100ways.
* Information from “Go Green, Live Rich” by David Bach with Hillary Rosner
