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garde;">Green is more than just the
color of energy efficiency. Its also the color of all the money youll save
when you reduce your power bills.
Proper insulation is one key to a "green" home.
During cold weather, insulation keeps heated air inside, so your furnace
doesnt have to work as hard. During warmer months, it prevents cooled air from
escaping, easing the demand on air-conditioning units.
Insulation is rated by R-value, a measure of its effectiveness.Experts
recommend an insulation value of at least R-30 in ceilings, R-13 in walls, and
R-11 in floors. While insulation is an investment, there
are also other, less expensive ways to cut your energy usage.
- During the winter, open
blinds and curtains to let the sun warm your home.
- Use ceiling fans. Youll feel
cooler without having to lower the thermostat.
- Make sure warm and cool air
from your system can circulate freely; dirt and other obstructions force a
system to work harder. So, change the air filters at least every three
months. Keep vents and registers clear of drapes and furniture; vacuum
them regularly.
- Don't "bump"
your thermostat up and down. Set it at a consistent temperature
thats comfortable for you. Add a programmable thermostat, if you
dont have one.
- Change regular light bulbs to
CFLs, compact fluorescent light bulbs. CFLs use two-thirds less energy and
last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Ask your local power company
for a free energy audit. Many companies will send a consultant to evaluate
your home and suggest personalized money-saving tips. Energy-saving
appliances and other improvements may also come with incentives like tax
credits or deductions that make "greening-up" your home even more
beneficial.
Erik Reilly
"Living a life I love, through service to others"
http://www.longislandrealestatehomesonline.com/003FC7
