Go Green and Reduce Your Energy Costs

Piggy Bank "Going Green" is a pretty great way to save money. Going green is a way to look at the world through a lens that asks, "Just because I've always done it this way, does that mean that it's best for me and my family?" In fact, thinking green is as much about efficiency as it is about conserving natural resources, and that saves us money.

10 Tips to Reduce Your Energy Costs While Being Green

Adjust your water heater.
If you lower the thermostat on your hot water heater from about 145 degrees to 120 degrees, the change isn't likely to be noticeable. This step could save you more than $20 a year if you heat water with gas and more than $50 if your water heater is electric. If you're concerned about killing bacteria with hot water, it's actually more effective to run the "Heat Dry" option on your dishwasher than to attempt to kill bacteria with water. The same goes for laundry—today's detergents kill most bacteria, not the water temperature. You can also save cash by installing an under sink water heater in your kitchen. These heaters save money by using less energy and heating the water right before it hits the sink—so there's less heat loss as water travels through the pipes!
Upgrade old cooling systems.
If you invest in a central air-conditioning unit with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 14 or higher, you could reduce your carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 1,500 pounds a year. If you use a window air-conditioning unit in your home, consider replacing it with a new unit that meets Energy Star qualifications. That step could reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by more than 100 pounds a year. Also, remember to clean the filters in your cooling and heating systems regularly and to seal any leaks in central air-conditioning ducts. In fact, most utility companies will offer you rebates for using Energy Star rated products.
Don't drive so fast.
Driving your vehicle 55 mph instead of 65 mph can improve your mileage by about 15 percent and reduce emissions considerably. You'll also get better mileage if you avoid quick starts and sudden braking, and if you keep your tires properly inflated to the maximum recommended pressure. In fact, properly inflated tires do more for your car than you ever imagined. You'll save money on repairs, the tires will wear evenly, and your brake pads will have a longer life!

Watch that idle time.
Most of us have been told that it takes less gas to idle than it does to restart the car, but that's not exactly true. Letting your engine idle for more than 30 seconds will burn more gasoline than restarting the engine, so turn the engine off if you expect a lengthy wait. Instead of idling at a drive-thru for several minutes, park the car and go inside—not only will you save gas, but you'll most likely get your order sooner than everyone sitting in line.
Map out your errands.
Do multiple errands at the same time and plan out your trip ahead of time. Consolidate drives to locations that are close to each other. If possible, park your car in one spot and walk when you get there-think of it as a double whammy savings—less gas and a free workout!
Take a break from driving.
Consider walking, biking, taking a bus or carpooling whenever feasible. If you have more than one vehicle, drive the one with the best gas mileage whenever you can. There are some pretty cool alternatives to driving a car, like the 49cc scooters that are zipping along the roadways nowadays; the average scooter consumes $7 in gas a week if used on a daily commute!

Mow your lawn with care.
Lawn mower engines don't use a tremendous amount of gasoline, but they create more than their fair share of NOx, a main ingredient in smog. You can avoid emissions altogether by opting for a low-cost manual reel mower. Home Depot and Lowe's have both brought in rechargeable electric mowers that offer the same features as gas counterparts. These electric mowers cost about the same, but with less noise; you could listen to your iPod while you mow and all you'll smell is that fresh cut grass!
Do laundry efficiently.
Horizontal-axis (front-loader) washing machines use far less water and 60 percent less energy than top-loaders. Regardless of the type of machine you own, save energy and money by using cold water instead of warm or hot. Run only full loads when drying clothes, and dry two or more loads in a row to make use of the heat already in the dryer. Skip the dryer if you can, your clothes will last longer and keep their shape better—especially those delicate summer fabrics.
Think about your refrigerator.
Don't locate this particular appliance in direct sunlight or next to the stove or dishwasher. Check the seals around the doors to see if they are leaking—your food will last longer and your fridge won't work as hard if those seals function optimally. In fact, if you can slide a piece of paper between the fridge and the door seal, those seals should be replaced.
Check the "Stack Effect" of your home.
Your heating and air conditioning system might be working overtime if your crawlspace has exterior vents and a dirt floor. Here's the science behind the "Stack Effect": due to air pressure, the lowest level in your home sucks in outside air and that forces the outside air up through the rest of your home. If your lowest level is a crawlspace with exterior vents, your home has a constant supply of cold outdoor air in the winter and hot, humid air in the summer coming up through the floor. By encapsulating your crawlspace, you can increase the overall health and energy efficiency of your home.

If you'd like to know more about the science behind this tip, please contact us for a free copy of "Crawlspace Science" by Lawrence Janesky.