Tips on conserving home energy BEFORE investing in ALTERNATIVE ENERGY:
*Replace incandescent lighting
with CFL`s
*Plug appliances into a powerstrip and put within easy reach, switch off when sleeping or away
from home to reduce "phantom loads".
*Replace or fortify home insulation.
*Check
seals on doors and windows - apply caulking or weather stripping where needed.
*Use heavy/insulated curtains
in winter, open doors and windows for cross ventilation when possible in summer.
*Replace single pane windows
with double pane.
*Plant deciduous trees East and West of home for summer cooling and winter light, use evergreens
to the North and East for winter weather.
*Replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR rated.
*Consider
tankless or solar hot water heating, use a thermal blanket on outdated heaters.
*Use overhangs and awnings
wisely, shorter on South and East sides for shade in summer, light and passive heat in winter.
*Use thermal
mass for passive heating and cooling, stone, brick even wood.
*Remember, you`re not only saving money with
alternative energy systems, you are doing your part in saving our precious earth!
