With the economic situation that most households are facing today, cutting back on energy usage is one way you can save money. Regardless of whether or not you are building a new home, there are things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Every resident can work on saving energy in their Orange County home.
If you are building a new home or if you need new appliances, be sure the ones you choose have the Energy Star label. The label is your guarantee that the appliance you are purchasing is one of the most energy efficient appliances on the market. These appliances will help your energy consumption .
If you are still using the old incandescent light bulbs, you can save energy by changing them. The compact florescent bulbs use approximately seventy-five percent less energy, and they last approximately ten times longer. Change your outdoor lights to motion sensor lights so they do not remain on the entire time.
One of the easiest ways to cut energy consumption in your home is to unplug everything electrical that is not being used. This includes lamps, radios, DVD players, televisions, washers, dryers and small appliances. Even though these items are turned off, they are still drawing electricity. If you purchase any of these items new, be sure they carry the Energy Star label.
Depending on where you live, a large percentage of your energy usage may be due to your heating system or air conditioning. In the winter, wear a sweater when you are at home and turn the heat down. In the summer, turn your thermostat up. Even one degree will make a difference in your energy consumption, and most people could do more than one degree.
You can even save energy by selecting the right type of paint for the exterior of your home. Energy saving exterior paint creates a reflective barrier against the sun’s rays. Choosing lighter shades of paint, will help even more.
If you are serious about saving energy in your Orange County home, hire a professional to come in and do an energy audit in your home. They will show you things you can do to save energy in your home. Little things like sealing cracks in heating ducts or sealing around your windows will make a big difference in the amount of energy you can save.