Heating Our Homes and Helping the Environment

With freezing cold weather upon us, it’s important that we are wise when it comes to how we heat our homes.  It is estimated that the average household spends $1,900 a year on energy costs, but did you know that the energy waste for the average family is between 25-35% of the total energy it uses?  If we are conscientious, this doesn’t have to be the case.  There are easy ways to save energy and several great websites that offer great tips to such as The U.S. Department of Energy, Federal Trade Commission, and Flex Your Power.

Energy Star program has come up with four simple recommendations that will help you HEAT your home and save up to 20% on a typical energy bill.

•    Home Sealing - Seal all air leaks and check to see if you need to add insulation. Pay particular attention to the attic and basement as these are where the biggest gaps and cracks are often found. Check for drafts around windows and doorways by holding an incense stick around potential leaks. If you see the smoke flow horizontally, there is a leak in that area.
•    Equipment Maintenance - Just as you would get a check-up for your health each year, make sure that you get a check-up for your heating system. Have a professional come out to clean any dirt or build-up from your heating system as well as check for routine maintenance that can help it run more efficiently. Something you can do is replace the furnace filter as it will help save energy while improving air quality.
•    Ask For Energy Star products. After testing in individual categories, these products have proven to be more energy efficient.
•    Thermostat. Programmable thermostats help you save energy by adjusting the climate while you are away. Using a programmable thermostat with the appropriate settings can save up to $150 a year in energy costs.

What’s the Greatest Thing We Can Do?

Take steps to lower our energy use (and waste).  We will help the environment and our wallets!