Green Tips For You!

Today, we don’t really realize how much energy we are wasting around the house every day.  Have you noticed that your energy bills are climbing every month?

Here are a few ways that you can start cutting your energy bill by up to 20-30% just by making a few simple changes.

1. Appliances.  When looking for a newer, updated appliance, check for the Energy Star logo.  This means that this particular appliance meets energy regulations and shows how much energy it will use per year.  Older appliances are more apt to use more energy, so these newer appliances will definitely help put some more money back in your wallet.

2. Turn off appliances.  We’re all guilty of it.  Leaving the computer on, forgetting about the DVD player, etc.  Try to make it a habit to turn off gadgets that you aren’t using and you should see a difference in your next bill.

3. Lights.  Turn them off.  Replacing your light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs will also last a lot longer than regular light bulbs. CF bulbs actually will last at least 3 or 4 times longer than your standard light bulb.

4. Laundry.  Try drying your clothes outside on the line.  You will drastically decrease the amount of energy you use by taking the extra time to air dry your clothes.  Use full loads when cleaning laundry and try using shorter cycles and save the longer cycles for really dirty clothes.

5. Hot water.  Try taking shorter showers instead of baths.  Install aerators on low-flow shower heads.

6. Ovens.  Using a microwave requires less energy than a standard oven.  If you have to use the oven, don’t preheat it longer than absolutely necessary.  Also, with the oven, try to resist opening the door.  Heat escapes rapidly when the door is opened to check if dinner is done.

By following some of these easy steps, you will be well on your way to saving some extra bucks and helping out the environment in more ways than you know.

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