Energy Saving Tips!

Looking for ways to conserve energy, help with climate change and cut your electricity costs? Making just a few small changes can add up to big savings each and every year.

For starters get control of your thermostat. When you leave for work in the morning, get into the habit of setting the temperature to 78 degrees. There is no reason to keep it colder than that in the house if no one is home. Even if you have pets, 78 degrees is still cool enough. And if you are going way for the weekend or on vacation, set your thermostat to 82 degrees. Also, make sure you clean/change your A/C filter once a month.

Have ceiling fans in your home? Although using fans are a great way to stay cool, make sure they are turned off when you leave the room or leave your house. Running them all day will cost you a little over $5 a month to run.
The hot water heater accounts for about 18% of electricity costs. If you are able to purchase a new, energy efficient water heater, you should. If not, here are some helpful tips that can help to decrease your costs.

• Lower the temperature on your hot water heater from 140- 120 degrees
• Take shorter showers and don’t take baths
• Don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth, washing your face.
• Wash clothes only when you have full loads and wash with cold water
• Use dishwasher only when you have full loads
• Add low flow shower heads and faucets

If your home has a pool, did you know that pool pumps are one of the highest consumers of energy in the home? One of the best ways to save money is by limiting the amount of time you run the pool pump. During the summer, you only need to run it 6 hours a day and in the winter time, 4 hours a day is fine. If you have a pool heater, get a solar cover too and be sure to use it especially at night. This will help to ensure your pool stays warm the next day.

Hope you found these tips to be helpful!

I am a realtor working in South Florida. If you need help buying or selling a home, please contact me. Also, please view my website where you will also be able to search the MLS. 

http://www.lindatabaskygoldberg.keyes.com/