Bring Green Home, Money Saving Tips

Since winter is almost here you may want to check out eco friendly ideas for home.

Plant trees - not only does it improve air and water quality it increases the value of your home. According to the US Department of Energy, as few as three strategically planted trees in your yard can lower your heating and cooling costs. Trees can provide shade in the summer and block cold winds in the winter.

Programmable Thermostat - save up to $75 each year on your energy bill by using one of these in your home. Adjust your thermostat -down two degrees in the winter, up two degrees in the summer can save you up to $45 a year.

HVAC System – each year, your HVAC system could be wasting as much as $50 in energy. Have your system tuned up in the spring and fall each year. Change or clean the filters in your air conditioners and heaters.

Refrigerator coils - by cleaning the dust off on the coils located in the back of a refrigerator makes it more efficient.

Energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs – by changing your five most used light bulbs in your house, you can save up to $27 a year. 

Caulk and weather strip doors and windows – to keep the cold from coming into your home this winter. If your attic insulation is looking a little sparse, you may want to add more before it gets too cold.

ENERGY STAR – buy ENERGY STAR products and appliances.

Dishwasher – open the dishwasher to air dry the dishes, instead of using the hot air dry cycle. Only run the machine with full loads.

Clothes Dryer - most of us live in neighborhoods where the Deed of Restrictions does not allow us to use closeline in our back yard, but if you have a unfinished area in your basement you can hang a close line to dry clothes.

Computers – use the sleep mode on your computers at home and at the office. Turn them off at night.