Every effort you make to conserve energy adds up to saving money while protecting the environment
Every effort you make to conserve energy adds up to saving money while protecting the environment. In 2008 alone, Americans ' energy-conservation efforts collectively saved more than $19 billion in energy costs while preventing the release of greenhouse gas emissions equaling those of 29 million cars (see References 1). Becoming part of this trend doesn 't require a lot of time or effort -- small changes in your home and lifestyle can help you use energy more efficiently and save money at the same time.
Lighting
If every American replaced the incandescent bulbs in five of the most-often-used light fixtures in his home with bulbs that have earned the Energy Star seal, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere by the amount produced by 10 million cars (see References 2), according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star is a program co-sponsored by the EPA and the Department of Energy to help consumers save money and energy through the use of energy-efficient products. (See References 3)
Heating and Cooling
The average U.S. household spends $1,900 each year on utilities, with roughly half of this amount going toward heating and air conditioning costs (see References 5, page 2). You can improve the efficiency of heating and air conditioning units by frequently cleaning or replacing air filters and by having your furnace cleaned every year. In addition, check the condition of the insulation in your home and add more if necessary, paying particular attention to seals around windows and doors and ducts in the attic and crawl spaces. When it 's time to replace a unit, consider purchasing one that is Energy Star-compliant. The EPA estimates that replacing older heating and cooling units with Energy Star equipment can reduce your energy costs by almost $200 a year. (See References 6)
Transportation
Keep your automobile in good working order and the tires properly inflated to enhance performance, improve fuel efficiency and save gas.
Lighting
If every American replaced the incandescent bulbs in five of the most-often-used light fixtures in his home with bulbs that have earned the Energy Star seal, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere by the amount produced by 10 million cars (see References 2), according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star is a program co-sponsored by the EPA and the Department of Energy to help consumers save money and energy through the use of energy-efficient products. (See References 3)
Heating and Cooling
The average U.S. household spends $1,900 each year on utilities, with roughly half of this amount going toward heating and air conditioning costs (see References 5, page 2). You can improve the efficiency of heating and air conditioning units by frequently cleaning or replacing air filters and by having your furnace cleaned every year. In addition, check the condition of the insulation in your home and add more if necessary, paying particular attention to seals around windows and doors and ducts in the attic and crawl spaces. When it 's time to replace a unit, consider purchasing one that is Energy Star-compliant. The EPA estimates that replacing older heating and cooling units with Energy Star equipment can reduce your energy costs by almost $200 a year. (See References 6)
Transportation
Keep your automobile in good working order and the tires properly inflated to enhance performance, improve fuel efficiency and save gas.
References: 4) Water Public water systems use a lot of energy to treat, filter and deliver water to each residence in a community. By using water wisely, you can help reduce the amount of energy consumed. Teach children not to let the water run while brushing their teeth, and discourage long showers. If you feel that you must water the lawn or garden, do so in the morning hours, when temperatures are lower. Wash laundry in warm or cold water instead of hot. Identify and repair leaky faucets as soon as possible, as well as toilet leaks; the EPA says a leaky toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water a day.