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Shanna 27 January 2008 Green Living, Tips and Ideas 1,149 views 3 Comments Print This Post  Email This Post

If you’re like the typical homeowner, heating and cooling bills take an unwelcome chunk of your monthly expenses. And keeping comfortable doesn’t just affect your pocketbook; it takes a toll on the environment, too.

In the interest of saving money and saving energy, these helpful tips are worth considering:

1. Set the Temperature.
Program the thermostat to a fairly steady temperature, and try to stick with it. By keeping it regular, you prevent the system from overworking, wasting energy and expense to return to a comfortable feel. Also, when you’re away, set the temp a few degrees lower.

2. Change the bulbs.
Flourescent lightbulbs last up to 10 times longer than incandescent ones. They’re more energy-efficient and, because they last longer, they’ll keep you from replacing (spending money) too often.

3. Purchase Energy-Efficient Appliances.
All kinds of options are available to today’s homeowner, and that includes greener alternatives for everyday appliances.

4. Check the Insulation.
Good insulation makes it easier for your home to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, by keeping the temperature inside. If this important detail is overlooked, your home may allow energy to escape, meaning more must be used.

5. Replace windows.
Double-pane, low-emissivity windows protect air in the home from the outside elements.

6. Examine your water usage.
See “3 Water-Saving Home Improvements” for more information about this topic.

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• Go Green With Your Hot Tub
• Going Green In The Laundry Room
• Eco-Friendly Mailboxes