Go Green – Save Green

Buy Green Power

In many areas of the United States, you can purchase green power directly from your electric utility. When you choose the green option, the electric company collects a premium that contributes to a fund that may invest in new solar, wind, small hydro (hydroelectric), or other green electric generation. In that way, your power company can guarantee that the equivalent energy units that you use will be generated somewhere nearby and contribute to the electric grid. Some utilities offer more green options. If you can’t buy green power through your local utility, you can still purchase equivalent green energy credits through a number of organizations.

Install Solar Electricity

Solar electrical panels, called photovoltaic (PV) modules, can be mounted on a roof or a stand to generate electricity to power your house and even run your meter backwards when you generate more power than you use. PV panels reduce fossil fuel use and carbon emissions, but they are expensive. Even with state and federal tax credits and other grants, it’s almost always more cost-effective to spend your money on energy efficiency first. Then, to be even more green, use your savings to pay for some solar panels.

Please Turn Off The Lights

It’s free, and it saves energy. Turning off the lights when leaving a room can save a lot of energyover time.

When it comes to standby power, not all electronics are the same. In a test comparing high-definition TVs, more than half of the 33 models in the 50-in. to 65-in. range used less than 20w continuously. The least efficient model was a 65-inch unit that consumed more than 76w when it’s off. That’s nearly $100 a year for just one TV. It used 250 times as much as the most efficient model and more than 27 times as much as the most efficient 65-inch unit. Standby power is not typically listed in the specs for consumer electronics, so you have to be a smart shopper.

Use cold water in the washer as much as possible, with soaps that are suited to cold washing. It’ll use less energy and costs you nothing. If your washer has the option, it is a good idea to use the temperature-regulated “warm” cycle for washing rather than “hot.” It’ll use less hot water than an equal hot and cold. And remember not to overload the machine, which will not reduce efficiency. Pay attention to load size in the user manual.

Hang It Up

The most efficient option for drying clothes is hanging them outside or on racks to dry. It uses no energy at all, although it takes a few minutes. For the best of both worlds, machine-dry clothes for 10-15 minutes, just enough to fluff them up and get the lint out. Then hang them until completely dry, saving energy and leaving them smelling fresher than any fabric softener can.

When you hand-wash dishes, don’t run the hot water. Use a dishpan or fill the sink to create a bath for washing for rinsing the dishes. And turn the water on and off when you need it with an aerator that has a flip lever.

Change Fluorescent Light Bulbs

The heat from incandescent bulbs makes your a/c work harder and more energy, elevating your bill. Ask Energymasters about the new dimmers that can save you money!

Tint Your Windows

Before upgrading your air conditioner to a bigger unit, try tinting your windows!

Turn Off Ceiling Fans

Turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room. They simply push air around; the motor produces heat and uses energy which costs you money. Ask Energymasters about the latest green technology-Ecominders. If you forget, they remember to automatically turn fans and lights on and off when you enter or leave a room.

Buy Energy Star Appliances

Buy Energy Star appliances and lighting fixtures. They cost a little more but they will soon pay for themselves because they use less electricity.