I have a new home and would love to be more environmentally friendly. Instead of the usual recycling (which i am cynical of-as they just transport it off to others countries for landfill in many cases) i would love to get solar panels or something
2006-07-27 09:13:43 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
I have lived all over the US - renting/owning many types of dwellings. I have always enjoyed the 'challenge' of implementing ways to reduce my energy bills, month to month - wherever I've lived. It's a contest that I have (with myself) -
I have records of all utilities mapped on graph paper, showing the past 5 years of gas, electric, water/garbage, phone, taxes, repairs, etc. Sounds like a lot of work - but it's really easy. I write the info for each bill as I pay it - then calculate the monthly and annual totals. . . it's amazing how one can watch the increases in fees (usage and taxes) 'inch up' gradually with this system!
Getting back to your question - cheap ways of reducing bills. . .
We had solar panels in NM, where the sun shines almost constantly. They did NOT save us any money. Unless you can get really reliable records for their use (in your area), I'd not go to the expense.
I'm assuming you already have UV tinted windows, and good seals on all doors and windows (new house)? Efficient heat a/c system? With these high dollar items being new - you are saved those expenses already. Now --
I keep my a/c set around 78 days -74 nites; using ceiling fans year round. AR is brutally hot in summer; icy cold in winter.
Heat (gas central) in winter = 70 days - 65 nit es
We shower rather than tub bathe; installed a Toto toilet (Japanese/uses less water); use dishwasher every other day; have stacked, front-load washer, (gas) dryer, blanketed gas hot water heater (set at 'med'), electric yard tools.
Our monthly utility bills total about $200 (year round).
Hope this info helps --- oh, we have bicycles, a motorcycle, and compact, high mpg vehicles (27mpg and 45mpg).
2006-07-27 09:19:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
The cheapest thing you can do is purchase blinds that block out all the sun light. A lot of heat will get into your home from the windows. Blinds are as cheap as $6.
If you want to spend a little more, try UV window screen
2006-07-27 09:48:51 · answer #2 · answered by escapefromspringfield 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The BEST thing to do is upgrade an old furnace with a newer, high efficiency model. It will only cost a couple grand and the benefits are huge. A buddy did it for me for $1600. The second best thing is to insulate your attic. It is cheap but the savings are not as great as the new furnace. You can also replace all your bulbs with florecent bulbs. They are expensive, but they last alot longer and use much less electricity.
2006-07-27 09:18:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not ceiling fans are a great way to reduce your bill! They use less electricity than your A/C! Make sure you turn your lights off when you leave a room. Try not to use as much hot water. Try washing your clothes in cold water! Littlle things like that can help!
2006-07-27 09:18:16 · answer #4 · answered by mistyblue7404 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn your water heater down a little, Set thermostat for a couple of degrees cooler in the winter and put on a sweater. Turn off and unplug things you are not using.
2006-07-27 09:18:47 · answer #5 · answered by gentle giant 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First insulation of you home to avoid losing heat or cold air. We put blinds, fans, and the bill have been reduced.
2006-07-27 14:00:34 · answer #6 · answered by wazup1971 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your power provider ... they have great info and plans
2006-07-27 09:17:11 · answer #7 · answered by GIDDYUP 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF YOU JUST TURN DOWN THE HEAT IN THE WINTER THIS WILL SAVE YOU HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS.
2006-07-27 09:21:34 · answer #8 · answered by michelegokey2002 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
DONT HAVE A HOME
2006-07-27 13:37:40 · answer #9 · answered by PAUL W 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋