Winter Tips...
Ok here are a few easy MONEY-SAVING ways to go green. I don't want to overwhelm anyone so I am only posting 5 suggestions... I challenge you to try one.
1. SAVE 20% on your next electricity bill.
Put all tv's, vcr's, computers... anything that has an adapter, on a powerbar. These electronic devices will continue to use electricity EVEN when they are turned off, unless they are unplugged. Test it yourself.... turn your tv off, now go to the back of your tv, listen closely, you can actually still hear it is on. If you put these devices on a powerbar you can turn the bar off when you leave for work in the morning and when you go to bed at night, ensuring you are saving that electricity.
2. Save money on your next gas bill.
On your hot water heater there is a temperature control. You can put it as low as 120F/50C . This reduces your carbon footprint by using less gas and saves you money at the same time. Also remember if you are going away to turn the water heater way down. If you want to take this challenge to the next level install a tankless hot water heater or a solar hot water heater. The initial cost may sting a little, but over the long-run it will save you (and the environment) a considerable amount.
3. Here is one that most people have heard of - but it is a good suggestion, and if you check with your local gas/electric company you may get it for free...
Use a programmable thermostat so you can keep the house a little cooler (in the winter, warmer in the summer - just don't forget the comfort and well being of pets please) when you are out of the house during the day or sleeping at night. You can save up to $500 a year by using this technique.
4. Keep it cozy, and private... In the winter open your curtains or blinds in the morning. Especially for SOUTH facing windows, this can increase the room temperature more than 5 degrees. As soon as the sun starts to go down draw the curtains to keep the heat in - and the cold out! Using this system you can reduce the amount of gas/electricity you will need to use during the day to heat your house. This is another good reason to have a digital programmable thermostat.
5. Not everyone can appreciate a cold room at night... So here is what you do. All those Nalgene bottles you bought a couple of years ago that you are afraid to drink out of now (any reusable water bottle will do)... fill them with hot water before you go to bed, wrap them in a pillowcase or hand towel and bring them to bed with you. If you are really with it, put them in your bed while you brush your teeth and do your bed-time routine, then you get to crawl into a preheated bed. The water bottles will keep you warm through the night allowing you to keep your thermostat programmed a little cooler.