Doug Shelden

Simple Ways to Go Green and Keep Your Utility Bill Small

Your utility bill is probably larger than you would like. Heating and cooling systems of many homes run constantly to battle the hot summers and really cold winters. You end up not only increasing your utility bill but you also your carbon footprint which may be another area you are trying to make a reduction.

The US Department of energy reports that almost 10-30% of all the heating and cooling is lost because of factors like poor window insulation, etc. Why waste all the precious energy?

Here are simple things you can do to cut down on your heating and cooling costs all year long:

1. If you have a very old heating and cooling system, it is probably time to switch over to an energy efficient one. Consult an expert to find out how much energy your old heating and cooling system is using and how much you could save with a new system. Switching to anew system can cut down costs while being eco friendly.

2. If your system is working just fine, you might want to set your thermostat lower in winters and higher in summers. If you are comfortable in those early fall and early summer months, you can also switch it off for a while. 

3. In winters, open your blinds and let the sunlight in from your windows making your home warmer. Open blinds and drapes on southern facing windows increase the light and heat coming into your home. Keep the north facing windows closed, since you will get most of that cold air from this side. You will want to insulate your windows and doors with insulation so that drafty air does not seep in. You can also get thermal blinds that are available in many stores. 

4. In summers, ensure that your home is well ventilated, but at the same time reduce all that heat coming in from the windows by closing your drapes to block out direct sunlight. 

5. Make sure you get your heating and cooling systems serviced every six months to ensure that they are working efficiently. 

6. You may be able to install solar heating systems for your home to get solar heating for your water, or to warm air on the southern facing side of the house.

These are just a few yet valuable things you can do to make sure that you remain comfortable while being green and saving money at the same time.

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