Easy Energy Tips For An Eco-Friendly Home

Energy efficiency: Whether you want to save the environment or save a few dollars on your power bill, these are the two words which are one everyone’s lips. If you have a new home, chances are it was built with energy efficiency in mind but even with a properly insulated home there is lots of room for improvement. With that in mind, here are some simple ways to lighten your environmental footprint without lightening your wallet each month.

Light Bulbs:

CFLs or compact fluorescent light bulbs are a quick and immediate way to cut back on energy costs. Energy Star labeled CFLs produce less heat, use up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs. They are now available in sizes to fit almost any light fixture and some can even be used with tri-lights or dimmers so check the package carefully. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that CFLs do contain small amounts of mercury which means you need to check with your Regional Solid Waste Commission for instructions on how to dispose of them properly but don’t panic; CFLs can last up to seven years so you won’t need to replace them that often. Remember: Less waste + lower power bills = healthier environment and happier you.

Light Fixtures:

It’s not just light bulbs. Light fixtures are being produced with energy efficiency in mind and there are many lights on the market now which sport the Energy Star logo. To meet the Energy Star seal of approval, these fixtures must be 2/3 more efficient than conventional light fixtures. They must also use bulbs which offer at least 10,000 hours of life. (That’s about 7 years of use at 4 hours per day for those of you who are getting out your calculators.) Switching over to Energy Star light fixtures can save you up to 66% on your energy bills.

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