Is Your Home Killing Our Planet ?

         The typical American home is far from energy efficient. Many people simply don’t realize how much they can do to make their homes energy smart. The good news about saving energy is that not only is it good for the planet, it’s good for your pocketbook, too!

           Did you know that the refrigerator is the largest single energy user in your home? How long have you had your refrigerator? Older refrigerators are much less energy efficient than new models, using as much as double the electricity. Replace that old refrigerator with a new, Energy Star rated unit, and watch your savings add up.

           Clean up! Guess how much energy you can save by simply cleaning your air conditioner filters monthly? Ten percent! The same is true with heating vents—it takes ten percent more energy to pull air through a clogged, dirty filter than it does to draw it through a clean one. Also, clean the condenser coil on the back of your refrigerator at least three times a year to cut its energy use, too.

           Lighten up! Change your old light bulbs and replace them with energy efficient florescent bulbs. These use less than one quarter the electricity, last up to a decade, and will more than pay for themselves over the life of the bulb. 
Seal it up! Make sure doors and windows seal tight to keep heat and cold inside. Patch any leaks you find with inexpensive caulk.

           Do these simple things and the Earth will thank you, and your electric bill will drop!