Simple Ways to be energy efficient and save money



The effects of the financial crisis can still be felt world wide and people everywhere are looking for ways to save money.  But did you know that there are small ways you can save at home and at the same time do your bit for Mother Earth while living green and saving some cash?

Check out these eco friendly energy efficient solutions.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.  We’ve all heard about this before.  According to a study by Consumer Reports, the average household has around 40 bulbs!  The same study shows that a household can save $56 over the life of a single bulb.  That amounts to over $2000 in savings lighting alone.  Best of all these spiral CFLs only cost about $1.50 at your local Home Depot store.

Another cheap and eco friendly home improvement is to install a programmable thermostat.  These digital gizmos can save a household $100-200 per year on their heating bill.  Programmable thermostats are relatively easy to use.  You can program the timer to lower in temperature when you are sleeping or out of the house and to increase just before you come home or wake up.   An example is the Lux Smart Temp Touch Screen TX9000TS which cost around $80.

Low Flow Shower heads and Toilets.  Low flow shower heads can give you a very refreshing shower while saving you 40% water.  If installed around the house, these can save a family roughly 8,000 gallons of water a year!  Depending on the finish, these retail at around the $60-$110 range.   If you install the low flow shower head together with the low flow toilet, then families can save an additional 1.6 gallons per flush!  Although more expensive than the shower head, Consumer Reports says that the $300-$370 price tag is worth the investment.

Did you know that 45% of the heat lost is through walls, floors and roof?  This is why it pays to insulate your home.  The easiest place to insulate is usually the attic and this DIY project is relatively easy to do.  Just roll out some fiberglass insulation during one weekend and you’re done.  There are also federal tax credits to insulating your home- 33% or up to $1500 of the cost of materials.

To find more ways of saving at home with sustainable living, do an energy audit.  There are firms that do this professionally, but a personal audit will be fine.  Check for weak spots at home like water leaks, uninsulated ducts or very old appliances that consume more energy than necessary.  See what you can do about replacing or correcting them.  You can be amazed at how much money you can save by following our simple tips and suggestions!
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