Conservation Tips

As homeowners, we're all aware of how important it is to save money and energy. The Enwise group of companies offers numerous ways for you to save energy all year round, but here are a few simple ways to start making a difference in your home today.  Follow these quick and easy steps for a more energy efficient home;

• Convert all incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent or LED bulbs.  Replacing just one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year 
   
  
• Ceiling fans use far less energy than an air conditioner and can help distribute heat more evenly in the winter time as well (reverse the direction to push hot air down) 
  
• A five minute shower uses half the water of a bath. Always look for low flow showerheads when it comes time to upgrade. 
  
  
• Plug computers and home electronics into power bars and turn the power bars off when not in use to avoid drawing energy
  
  
• Maximize passive solar power by opening and closing the blinds in order to heat and cool your home
  
  
• In the kitchen, use pressure cookers, microwaves and toaster ovens instead of the conventional oven
  
  
• Wrap your hot water tank with an insulating blanket to prevent heat loss, or consider a tankless water heater that only heats water when you need it
  
  
• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures at night or when you're not home. For each degree you adjust back or forward, you can save up to 10% on your energy bills.