4 Energy Saving Ideas to Celebrate Earth Day
Earth Day is almost here and what better way to celebrate this beautiful planet than to implement some small changes that are good for the environment and your wallet? We’ve rounded up four easy tasks that can be done this weekend and will have you rolling in the green.
1. Change Air Filters
Changing your air vent filters is a great way to keep energy costs down. Depending on the type of filter, it should be changed every few months and can be found fairly inexpensively at your local home improvement store. Make sure, before you do any work, to turn off the power to your HVAC system and locate the blower compartment. Remove the door and discard the old filter. Pop in the new filter and you’ll be well on your way to healthier air and a fuller wallet!
2. Caulk Window Gaps
Over time, window seals can dry out and shrink. If you have an older home, it might have shrunk enough to pull away from the wall letting warm air (or cool air) out of your home. Not to worry though, recaulking is an easy yet rewarding task. First, clear out any old caulk with a putty knife. Then, cut the tip off a new caulking tube and break the inside seal. Next, apply a steady stream of caulk to the gap and smooth with a cloth immediately after. Clean off any excess and enjoy your draft-free living space!
3. Switch to LED Bulbs
Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut energy costs. By changing out the bulbs in five of your most used light fixtures, you can save up to $75 per year, but even more bulbs mean even more savings. LEDs are an especially good choice because they use 20%-25% of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. While prices may seem high in the beginning, they still save money because of their long life and reduced energy consumption. What are you waiting for? Illuminate your space with a clean conscience.
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4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Adjusting the times you turn on your heating and air conditioning can help save money each month while still keeping you comfortable. Programmable thermostats can store and repeat multiple daily settings that change the temperature while you’re asleep or away from home, so saving energy is completely effortless. Today’s options include inexpensive digital thermostats and more tech-savvy choices that can be controlled from a phone or remote. Visit your local hardware store for more information.