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Top 10 Energy Saving Tips

1/23/2014

GoodHouseKeeping.com compiled a list of the top 10 tips for saving energy. All the tips are easy to do, and can greatly help the environment and lower your bills.

Monitor your energy use - adding a plug monitor will let you know how much energy your devices are using and help you decide when to turn them off or unplug them.
Install dimmer switches - dimming a light by just 10% can double to life of an incandescent light bulb.
Install a motion sensor - perfect for lights that are seldom used for a long period of time .
Set a programmable thermostat - this is an easy way to save money when you aren't home or are sleeping.
Buy an insulating blanket - giving your hot water heater a blanket can reduce heating costs by 9%.
Install an Energy Star-Rated Ceiling Fan - when it's cool, run your fan clockwise to push warm air down, and when it's warm, run the fan counter-clockwise to circulate the cool air.
Dodge the draft - install weather stripping around your doors and windows to keep heat in and cool air out.
Install insulating window treatments - cellular and honeycomb shades can help gain or reduce heat loss throughout the year.
Replace the aerator on your faucet - an efficient aerator will reduce flow from the usual 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) to a thrifty 1.5 gpm
Keep dirt and toxins out - placing a mat outside your doors can prevent 25% of pesticide residue tracked inside.

To see the full list and prices of products, click here to go to goodhousekeeping.com

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10 Tips for Renters

1/16/2014

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Energy Star has put together a list of 10 tips that can help those who rent an apartment, townhouse or home save money on their bills and help save energy.

Replace the 5 most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). This can save up to $65 per year! Also, remember to turn off the lights when leaving a room.
Consider purchasing a room air conditioner that is ENERGY STAR qualified. Be sure to insulate well so that outside air does not come inside.
Install a programmable thermostat if possible to automatically adjust the temperature when you are away or sleeping.
Remember to unplug battery chargers when not in use. Consider a power strip for multiple plugs so that you can easily unplug and avoid paying for 'phantom energy' costs.
Take a shorter, ten minute shower and replace your shower head with a low-flow shower head. This can use even less money than taking a bath. Also, remember to run your bathroom ventilation fan for 15 minutes before and after bathing to avoid excess moisture.
Make sure all air registers are clear of furniture so air can circulate freely.
During colder months, keep drapes and blinds open during the day to let in the warmth of the sun. During the summer, keep them closed to keep your home cool.
Scrape dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, and use the air-dry option if available.
Wash your laundry through cold cycles whenever possible. And, wash full loads to save water.
Use the moisture sensor on your dryer to avoid over drying your clothes. Also, remember to always clean your lint trap before drying a new load. This can save you $34 a year!

Find even more tips on the Energy Star website here: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.es_at_home_tips

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Top 10 Energy Saving Tips

10 Tips for Renters

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