Making your home more energy efficient is often as simple as pulling a plug-unplugging appliances when they are not in use can save $ 70 a year on your electricity bill. Read my tips for more easy ways you can dave money and reduce your impact on the environment.

Thermostats: Installing a programmable thermostat to keep air conditioning at 78 F when it’s hot outside, and your heating 68 F when it’s cold can help you save up to 20% in heating and cooling cost on your energy bill. IF every family in the United States did this, we would reduce carbon dioxide by more than 90 billion pounds.

Water Heaters- Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy cost, so turn your water heater down to 120% or the “normal” setting then home and to the lowest setting when away. Also consider wrapping your water heater in a insulated blanket. You’ll save 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Light Bulbs: According to climatecrisis.org, energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) last 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs, use 60% less energy and can save 75% of lighting cost. If every American home replaced five CFL bulbs, we would save as much as $6.5 billion a year in electricity cost and prevent green house gas emissions equivalent to that from more than eight million cars.

Sprinkler: Use a sprinkler timer. Timers will automatically shut off your sprinkler system after a set period so you don’t have to remember. Also use sprinklers that emit large drops of water, low and close to the ground, and water early in the morning. This will ensure that he water soaks into the soil instead of evaporating.

Green Energy: The decision to switch to green energy should be made on a cost-by-cost, region-by-region basis. CIBC World Markets reports that buying a solar system can yeild homeowners a 6 % return on their investment and take 16 years to pay off. Depending on the state you live in, you may be eligible for a refund or other incentive when you use solar engergy.

Making your home more energy efficant is not only good for the environment- it’s good for your bank balance. ABC News reports that the average family spends nearly $2,000 a year on energy bills, and simply heating and cooling thier homes accounts for half of that bill. Sealing your homes “envelope” ensuring that walls,floors,ceiling, and the roof are well insulated- can save up to 10% on your annual energy bill and cut down on carbon dioxide emission.

Posted by Nilesh Jethwa: WIlmington and Leland Real Estate

Nilesh Jethwa is a local REALTOR in the Wilmington/Leland area. If need any assistance please feel free to contact me.  Read my post on a Smarter Green Home.