You can save both money and be responsible to our environment. Just follow a few simple tips regarding to your utilities (water, electricity & gas.)
WATER
- Add a water sensor to your sprinkler system that automatically leaves the system off if the moisture level in the soil is adequate.
- Consider collecting rain water in a barrel to use for watering potted plants.
- Add a low flush mechanism to your toilet to conserve water when flushing liquids.
- Consider replacing some of your extra thirsty outdoor plants with more drought resistant varieties.
- Avoid using water hoses to clean your side walk — use a leaf blower instead.
ELECTRICITY
- If you are considering getting A/C, consider getting an evaporative cooler instead of the traditional condensing unit. Both procurement cost and operating cost on the evaporative unit are significantly less.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient Compact Florescent light bulbs. If you are looking for dimmable light bulbs, also consider LEDs in place of CFEs.
- Add an attic fan to replace warm air in your house with cooler air at dusk and during the night.
- Add motion sensors to your outdoor lighting. This will not only conserve the use of electricity, but also adds security to your home.
GAS
- Install a programmable thermostat. Program it for times the house is unoccupied to decrease cooling and heating costs.
- Make sure your water heater is on a medium setting, instead of hot or vacation. This not only will conserve gas but also will be less likely to hurt children and the elderly.
- If you are replacing a water heater, consider a tank-less water-on-demand option.
- If your forced air heater is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a high efficiency model. It will oftentimes pay for itself in five years.
