If every homeowner took a little time to make a few simple changes in things around their home, the environment will benefit.  Making a home a little greener with a few simple changes can go a long way to save money on energy bills and help defeat global warming.  Efficiency is key to making a home a “little greener”.

Here are some tips for making your home “green”:

1)      Energy Efficient Lighting – replace your incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs.  Replacing even just five of your favorite or most frequently used light bulbs can save you $100 or more per year.  If every family did this, can you imagine how much energy would be saved and definitely greenhouse gas emissions would be greatly reduced.

2)      Programmable Thermostats – Install programmable thermostats and set your thermostat back when you are not home and while you are sleeping.  Setting your thermostats down 5 degrees while you sleep will save you big.  Also, setting thermostats to 62 degrees while you are at work and putting the timer up for when you return will decrease energy used while the house is empty.  It is recommended to select ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats.

3)      Plug Drafty Areas – Air leaking into the home can cost you big – plugging or sealing areas around doorways, windows, electrical outlets, plumbing openings and especially in the attic will save you big time.

4)      Water Heater Insulation – putting an insulative jacket around your hot water heater and insulating the pipes around the water heater can conserve energy as well as saving you hundreds of dollars a year.

5)      Energy Efficient Appliances – when selecting a new furnace, hot water heater, air conditioner, etc., select an ENERGY STAR qualified unit.  You will save about 10 to 30% on operating costs vs. non-energy efficient units.

Changing a few simple things around your house will help you save and you will be surprised when you get your bill. Minor changes at home can add up to real benefits for the planet, not to mention your own health and happiness.