SmartHomeOwners

Conserving energy might seem like a task that's too big for one person to achieve alone.  But fortunately, one individual can make a difference.  With just a few simple changes in your daily activities and the products you use in your home, you can save on energy bills and help make the world a better place.

Recycling

There's more to recycling than keeping your soft drink cans in a separate container.  You can make extra effort to buy recycled products such as printed paper or notebook paper for your kids' school work.  Cut down on garbage by purchasing products with minimum packaging.  Recycle plastic grocery bags-use them in small waste baskets at home or the office.  Reuse products as often as possible instead of throwing them away.

Make Affordable Home Improvements

You can save tremendously on your energy bills by making a few affordable home improvements.  Add extra insulation to the ceilings and walls to realize 20 to 30 percent savings.  Update your windows with new energy-efficient windows that won't allow heat or cool air to escape.  You don't have to replace all windows at once.  Replace one or two at a time if on a tight budget.  You can plant shrubbery around the foundation of your house to prevent cold drafts.  You should also update your appliances such as a/c unit or heat pump, dishwasher, water heater, refrigerator, etc. to Energy Star(R) appliances.

Small Changes

Replace the light bulbs in your home with long-lasting, energy-saving  fluorescent bulbs.  These cost a few dollars more than incandescent bulbs, but will last much longer and save on your electric bill.  Check your home for holes or cracks where drafts can enter (mainly where wiring or plumbing has been installed) and fill these with caulk or weather stripping.  And don't forget to weatherize all windows and doors. 

Update your older toilet with a dual flush kit or replace entirely with a dual flush toilet.  These offer two flush options - one for liquid waste (uses only half the water) and another for solid waste.  Also, regulate the thermostats on your refrigerator, heating/cooling system and water heater to ensure you are not using more energy than necessary.  Another way to save energy is to wash/rinse clothes in cold water instead of hot.  With the right detergent, you'll find that the clothes are just as clean!  You can also wash and/or rinse dishes in cold water, and allow your dishes to air dry when using a dishwasher.

Vehicles

Save on CO2 emissions by carpooling with co-workers or by taking public transit.  If you live near your work place, consider riding a bike or walking to work each day.  This will put extra gas money in your pocket and contribute to cleaner air!  Of course, you'll be healthier too!

You can also apply some of these energy-saving principals to the work place.  Speak with your boss about making simple changes at the office or work site to save energy.  Mention the potential utility savings for his company...this may get his attention!

Practice these steps every day to start realizing true savings on energy!