As hot summer months approach, every New Jersey homeowner and family wants to learn new and better ways to save energy. In addition to conserving money, the smartest energy saving methods can help improve the environment by reducing pollution and lessening contributions to global warming. These days, going green is not just for environmentalists, but an easy way to feel positive about your all-around impact on the world. If you want to save your pocketbook and the planet, try energy-saving tips based on careful planning, new products and basic techniques, no matter the season.
To start saving energy, homeowners should begin by determining what is their energy “footprint,” or impact. Easy to use tools available from your energy provider can help you answer this important question. For example, your energy provider may allow you to calculate your carbon emissions by using your electric bill. Or, some web sites offer tools that help you calculate your total greenhouse gas emissions. For a complete perspective, sign up for an energy audit linked to your bill and see exactly how your home’s energy is spent, how much it costs, and what impact that makes on the environment.
Once the overall energy impact is known, families can make a decision about how they want to use the information to practice energy efficiency. In one easy way, by now, almost every homeowner has heard of compact fluorescent light bulbs. These newcomers on the lighting scene have proven so popular because of the great energy savings they bring at relatively low cost. Even better are LED lights which save even more energy and lower your electricity bills. Other people opt to practice energy efficiency all around the home with energy-efficient appliances such as those that meet Energy Star guidelines. More than 40,000 Energy Star products are available in a range of common items including major appliances like air conditioners, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and computers.
If you cannot afford or do not want to purchase entirely new appliances, practice ways to use existing appliances more efficiently. Maximize energy by running the dishwasher only when it is completely full, and wash clothes only when the laundry load is full. Washing the clothes in cold water saves energy compared to hot water washes. Also, clean the dryer’s lint filter before each load to lessen the energy strain on the dryer, and be sure not to overload the overload and make it work too hard. Also try to turn on or use major appliances during non-peak hours which are normally between 9pm and 6am on the following day – energy costs are normally a fraction between those hours. An additional method is to sign up with a third party energy provider to supply your energy at lower costs – Systrum Energy offers such a solution with no long term commitment or cancellation penalties.
When the time for air conditioning arrives, make sure the unit is the proper size for the space. A unit that is too large for the area to be cooled, or too small for the room, can result in a less efficient use of energy. Improving insulation and air sealing keeps down the levels of heat in the house and prevents excessive use of air conditioning. For homes that use central air conditioning, a two-degree adjustment higher on the thermostat can lower cooling bills and save 500 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere every year. Check the amount of refrigerant on the central air conditioner to prevent impaired efficiency. Any homeowner may want to block high-angle summer sun from entering windows by installing horizontal trellises on windows that face east and west.
Saving energy spares not only the household budget, but it also helps reduce the long-term harmful impact on the environment. Try a bit of planning, smart products and simple techniques to practice energy efficiency, and start saving.