| To go green or not to go green, that is the | | | | heat sources in your house. They will pin point |
| question. Saving energy equals saving money. This | | | | where exactly you are producing the most heat |
| is quickly becoming a bigger and bigger topic these | | | | which may entail that your AC will run longer. For |
| days as most people blame the government for | | | | example, placing a lamp by the television causes |
| not doing enough about it. Yes, the government | | | | two heat sources to be next to each other, |
| should spend more money on research and | | | | which generates more heat. Turning televisions, |
| development in alternative fuels. However, the | | | | VCRs, and DVD players off, not just leaving them |
| real blame is on you. There are hundreds of ways | | | | on standby, makes a significant difference in how |
| to do your part. I will give you just a few that | | | | much you will pay on your next utility bill. |
| we found to be easy, inexpensive and in return | | | | Turning your computer off overnight and during |
| will save you money. | | | | other times it is not in use, can also help save |
| By changing the light bulbs in your house to | | | | energy. |
| compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) you can save | | | | Thinking of buying a new washing machine? If you |
| about $45 in electricity cost per light bulb. The | | | | replace a washing machine that is older than 1994, |
| average home in has roughly 15 active light bulbs. | | | | you will save up to $110 a year on your utility bill. |
| If homeowners were to change every light in | | | | When you buy an appliance, Energy Star |
| their houses to CFL bulbs, they would save about | | | | approved, that item can save you up to 50% |
| $675 on electricity costs during the life of the light | | | | than on non Energy Star approved appliances. All |
| bulbs. | | | | new washing machines come standard with the |
| Shading can save up to 40% of cooling costs. | | | | Energy Star and can be purchased for less than |
| Planting trees in strategic areas of your yard will | | | | $1000. These washers will not only conserve |
| not only increase the value of your home but will | | | | energy but will also conserve water as well. |
| also save about $100 - $250 a year in energy | | | | Other ways to conserve water is by changing |
| costs. Homeowners will benefit the most from | | | | your shower head. For an investment of $10 or |
| planting trees on the west and south sides of | | | | less you can save $50 to $75 per year on water |
| their houses. You can also call your local energy | | | | bills and $20 to $50 more per year on energy bills |
| provider and they will often send an expert out | | | | (depending on your current shower head and |
| to help you coordinate your energy saving | | | | utility rates). Every new shower head should pay |
| efforts. Usually for free! Putting up drapes makes | | | | for itself within the first year. |
| the house look better and blocks out a lot of heat | | | | Do you like money? I gave you only a few of the |
| in the summer and keeps the heat in during | | | | many ways to reduce your monthly bills. What |
| winter. | | | | have you done to help out the environment? |
| These experts will also help you with finding the | | | | |