Conserving Energy to Fight Global Warming: A Beginner's Guide

Whether you understand Global Warming or not, you need to know that you can help fight it by conserving energy in your own home. If everyone took steps to ensure that they are using the least amount of energy possible, it would make a big difference! And even if you still think Global Warming is "just a theory", you can at least benefit by saving money on your electric bill each month! Taking steps to limit your energy consumption is a great way to save yourself money and help conserve natural resources.

Have an energy analyst check your house for efficiency... for free!

Many people don't realize how much electricity is used by air conditioners, furnaces, and hot water heaters. If you own an older home and have not updated, call your electric company to ask about getting an analyst to come to your house to check your efficiency. Most companies will send someone out free of charge. The analyst that checked my house said that with many older furnaces, over 50% of your heat is going right out the roof. Old air conditioners often need to work twice as hard as newer ones to cool your house. That's money out of your pocket!

Check for incentives

Check your city utilities website for information about energy conservation incentive program. Many cities offer rebates, tax credits, and low-interest loans for people who make their homes more energy-efficient. For example, Ameren UE offers a rebate of $200 to anyone who purchases a high efficiency furnace. Columbia, Missouri, where I live, offers a 3% five-year loan for energy efficient home improvements or appliances as well as rebates on high efficiency air conditioners.Check your electric or gas provider's website for details.

Insulation... what's that?

Insulation is one of those things you just don't think about until you have to buy it. Do you know how well your attic is insulated? Do you even know how to get into your attic? (I didn't!) If your insulation isn't thick enough, you could be losing money each month on your bill because of heat and cooling that goes right out your roof. This is another thing that the energy analyst can check for you. It's also a good idea to put a cover on your hot-water heater and insulate the pipes within five feet of it. You can do this yourself for about 30-50 dollars, which will pay for itself once you start saving money on your bill.

The lights are on, but nobody's home!

Always remember to turn lights and fans off when you aren't using them. Turn them off when you go to bed and before you leave the house. Get your kids into the habit of turning lights off when they leave a room or you will be spending money on energy that no one is using!

Unplug it!

Most people don't realize that kitchen appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee-makers use energy even when you aren't using them. If it's plugged in, it's costing you money. Unplug them and put them away when you aren't using them. You'll also be amazed at how much more counter space you have!

Let the Sun Shine in! (or not)

In the winter, you can make a room quite a bit warmer just by opening your curtains to let the light in during the day. The same rule applies in the summer, so keep those curtains closed if you want a cool house! If the weather is nice, opening windows to let a breeze in not only makes your house smell fresh, but conserves lots of energy. Don't run your air conditioner when you don't really need it, and you'll save. Using skylights and windows to light your house during the day instead of electric lights is another great way to save money.

Close your storm windows

Installing windows that are designed to help you keep heating or cooling inside is a great idea, but can get expensive. Make sure your storm windows are shut, and you will notice a big difference.

Ever heard of a heat pump?

A heat pump is something you can add to your air conditioner to help heat your house. It takes the heat from the air outside (as long as it's above 25-30 degrees outside), and uses that to heat your house. If it's under 25 degrees or so, it will switch to your furnace. This can save you a ton of money and is much more energy efficient.

Solar energy

Using the sunlight is a great way to save money and conserve energy. Solar panels can be used to heat your house, your water, and provide electricity! They can get pretty expensive, but they do save a lot of money in the long-run. If you are building a house or looking to make improvements, consider this alternative!