Everyone wants to be more ‘green‘ and help save the planet by using energy-efficient appliances around their home and office. There are so many choices and methods of going green, it is not always easy to know just where to start. Here are 5 easy ways to go green around your home.
1. Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
The easiest place to start making a difference in your green living is to replace your old incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents — also known as CFLs. The CFL will use 75 % less energy than an incandescent bulb. They also last up to 10 times longer as well, which mean you will save money too.
2. Look for the Energy Star
Since the 1990s, t he U.S. government has issued ratings for energy-efficient appliance. When you are shopping for new appliances and other household products, look for the Energy Star label, which gives easy to compare information on total energy usage. Purchasing an Energy Star product can save you about 20 to 30% on your energy bills and you may be eligible to earn federal tax credits on qualifying Energy Star appliances.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Much of the wasted energy in many households is a result improper set thermostats, not setting them for maximum efficiency. In the winter, the heat should be set to go down some while you sleep, and then return back just before you awake. The same goes for leaving and coming home during workdays. To do this make this happen, you need a modern, programmable electronic thermostat.
4. Set Your Water Heater and Fridge Thermostats
Your home thermostat isn’t the only one that should be regulated. The hot water heater and refrigerator should also be set properly. A tank water heater supplies plenty of hot water at temperatures between 120 and 140 degrees. Your refrigerator keeps your food nice and chilled at 37 degrees, the recommended green setting. Most fridges don’t have a temperature reading, so use a thermometer and then adjust the dial accordingly.
5. Eliminate Vampire Power
How much energy do you waste by leaving your coffee maker plugged in all day? Vampire power sounds like something from the most recent Twilight movie, but it is actually energy that’s wasted simply by leaving unused appliances plugged in.
Leaving your home computer, DVD player and coffee maker plugged in can account for as much 10% of your electric bill. When you turn out all the lights in your house at night, take a look at all the little glowing light from various appliances? Everyone of them is sucking energy like a vampire – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Try putting some of them on power strips that have an on-off switch and turn them off when not in use. You’ll save energy and money at the same time.