Energy conservation is a well-established method of respecting the environment. But living green can also save you “green”—potentially lots of it. Here are a few ideas on how to save money year round by reducing your energy consumption:
First, if you haven’t finished your taxes, make sure you investigate several energy tax credits offered by the federal government. For the 2010 tax year, for example, you can receive a tax credit of up to $1,500 on duct sealing, heating and cooling equipment, insulation, roofing, windows and other energy-efficient improvements. There are also credits available on solar-energy systems and replacement of old appliances. Talk to your tax professional to see if you qualify.
Second, do you still have the old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs in your home? Replace them. Compact florescent light bulbs burn longer and use much less energy than incandescent bulbs, according to Consumer Reports. Or try newest generation of bulbs: light-emitting diodes or LEDs. Such bulbs cost more off the shelf than other options, but they use even less energy and may last up to 50 times longer than incandescents.
Third, look at your household appliances and electronics. Older equipment, almost without exception, burns more energy than newer models. For example, an old CRT computer monitor or television can burn four to five times as much electricity as flat-panel screens. And the same is true for appliances—especially refrigerators, which are one of the biggest energy draws in your home.
Fourth, start shutting off and unplugging electronics when they’re not in use. As much as 10 percent of your electric bill might be going toward energy that’s siphoned off by devices that are left plugged in, even if they’re turned off.
Finally, make sure you do all you can to keep your indoor air indoors during extreme weather. That means caulking, replacing old windows and doing whatever else you must to be sure you are sealing any gaps that might allow outdoor air inside and vice versa.
If you do these things, you’ll come out a winner, and so will the environment!
Tags: CFL bulbs, conservation, energy savings, green