According to ENERGY STAR, the average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, much of which goes to heating and cooling. To help you reduce your energy use this summer, they've created the ENERGY STAR @ home Interactive Tool that gives advice and energy-efficient home improvement ideas. By following EPA's recommendations for home sealing, proper use of a programmable thermostat, and a well-maintained, energy-efficient heating and cooling system, you can save as much as 20 percent annually on total energy costs, while reducing your home's energy consumption and environmental impact.
Individual actions at home can add up to a lot of savings—in terms of energy, money, and greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR recommends these five simple steps to help Cool Your World this summer:
1. RAISE YOUR "COOL" IQ
Learning how energy is used in your home is an important step toward cutting energy costs, improving your home's energy efficiency and protecting the environment. Raise your "cool" IQ by visiting ENERGY STAR @ home Interactive Tool for energy-efficient home improvement ideas and energy saving tips and advice for your entire house.
2. GET A CHECKUP
Dirt and neglect are the primary causes of system failure. Schedule an annual, pre-season maintenance checkup with a licensed contractor to ensure your cooling system is operating efficiently and safely. Be sure to clean or change your system's air filter according to the filter's instructions—generally once a month. Keep it clean to keep it efficient.
3. SEAL THE DEAL
Don't let the hot air in and your cool air out. Find and seal air leaks that cause drafts and make your cooling system work overtime. You or a licensed contractor can follow ENERGY STAR Home Sealing recommendations to tighten your home's "envelope"—outer walls, ceiling, windows, and floors.
4. GET WITH THE PROGRAM
Save energy by taking advantage of periods in the day when your home doesn't need to be kept as cool. A programmable thermostat, set and used properly, can save up to $150 in energy costs each year. Ceiling fans can also cut home energy use—turn the thermostat up several degrees while using the fans to deliver the extra cooling comfort.
By combining these tips with renewable energy from companies available through GreenEnergyChoice, you can save money and help save the environment. Enter your address to see what's available for your home now.
