Going Green around your home is great. If you can afford the solar panels and other improvements you are making a smart investment in the long term value of your home.  However, don't over look smaller things that can really add up to big savings!         

Know Your Home energy Rating!  Use this link to be taken to a free PDF file on how to gauge the efficiency of your home and things you can do to increase it.

Don't forget to check with the Gas company or the Electric company before replacing any system in your home. From Pool pumps to ac units to new appliances many times rebates are available for purchasing certain units.

 

Things You Can do to increase your energy efficiency and save money!

• Seal leaks in your attic, basement, fireplace and around electrical outlets.  Estimated Savings: 1–2 percent on heating or cooling costs

• Lower nighttime thermostat at least 10 degrees for 8 to 10 hours (not recommended for heat pumps)  Estimated Savings: 10–20 percent on heating costs

• Install programmable thermostat — 10 degrees set back for 8 to 10 hours. Estimated Savings: 10–20 percent on heating costs

• Reduce winter thermostat setting. Estimated Savings: 3–5 percent per degree on heating costs

• Service heating and cooling systems and adjust for maximum efficiency. Estimated Savings: Up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs

• Increase summer thermostat setting. Estimated Savings:  6–8 percent per degree on cooling costs

• Turn thermostat off when home is unoccupied for extended periods of time.  Estimated Savings: up to 15 percent on heating and cooling costs

• Install flow restricting devices in showers and faucets.  Estimated Savings: 5–10 percent on water heating use

• Lower water heater thermostat settings to 120 degrees, 140 degrees for dishwasher.  Estimated Savings: 2–10 percent on water heating costs.  (Always turn your water heater down when away for extended time periods)

• Seal leaks in HVAC ductwork.  Estimated Savings: 10–30 percent on heating and cooling costs.

• Shade windows or install reflective material to windows. Estimated Savings: 2–12 percent on cooling costs.

• Replace central air conditioner with more efficient unit.  Estimated Savings: 14–40 percent on cooling costs. (Plus any energy rebates your utility company, county or state may be offering)

• Caulk windows and doors.  Estimated Savings: 1–4 percent on heating and cooling costs.

• Weather-strip windows and doors. Estimated Savings:1–8 percent on heating and cooling costs.

• Install insulation wrap on water heater and pipes.  Estimated Savings:  5–10 percent on water heating costs.

• Insulate walls - in the garage if you live in the Desert. Estimated Savings: 5–15 percent on heating and cooling costs based on no existing insulation.

• Insulate ceilings.  Estimated Savings: 1–20 percent on heating and cooling, based on R-6 or 2–3 inches of insulation.

• Insulate crawl space or floor over unconditioned areas.    Estimated Savings: 10–15 percent on heating and cooling costs based on no existing insulation

• Install plastic inserts on poorly sealed windows. Estimated Savings: 5–10 percent on heating and cooling costs.

• Augment swimming pool heater with solar heating. Estimated Savings: 60–90 percent on present pool heating costs from non-renewable resources.

• Install solar domestic water heating. Estimated Savings: 50–80 percent on water heating costs
 

 

• Install tankless water heating.  Estimated Savings: 35–55 percent on water heating