Cheap Energy Saving Tips

Okay, who doesn't want to save money on energy bills at home? The problem is that all these energy saving tips on the web are not too helpful. For example, "get energy efficient windows put in around the whole house". Hello, who is paying for this? Here is our nitty gritty top ten list of true energy savers for your home that won't break the bank:

1. Install an air circulating fan and get a $50 tax credit on your income taxes. Energy Policy Act of 2005 for Individuals.

 

2. Install energy efficient lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). They can last 4 to 16 times longer than regular light bulbs.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Buy a new showerhead that is engineered to reduce the amount of water that is used. An average of 5+ gallons a minute is pumped through shower heads. These showerheads can reduce that flow to a max of 2.5 gallons per minute. These are less than $10...

 

4. Get a tankless water heater and rake in the savings! Check out these Stiebel Eltron DHC Electric Water Heaters

5. Use the "air dry setting" on your dishwasher instead of using the "heat dry". Okay, this isn't going to save you bundles, but every bit counts and most people don't do this.

6. Place shrubs or trees around your air conditioning unit. Units in the shade use as much as 10% less electricity than ones in the sun.

7. Get a skylight for that dark room in your home. Use the sun to create your light source and only use electricity at night.

8. Put your power cord to your laptop on a power strip that can automatically power off, or can manually be shut off. The power cord draws power as long as it is plugged in.

9. Go to dsireusa.org to find out financial incentives for renewable energy. Some states offer a lot of incentives and it may be well worth your time finding out what you could qualify for, or may already qualify for.

10. Check your air ducts. They are a leading cause of loss of heat or air conditioning. The Department of Energy has a great brochure to help you out here.