KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY
You have the ability to help
control electricity use, cut costs, and conserve energy! See how you can save energy and money with a few simple inexpensive fixes around the house. Here are some easy things to begin with so you can start saving energy and money.
- Use trees and awnings along with shutters and blinds to provide shade from summer heat.
- Repair leaky faucets to prevent hot water waste. Install aerators and low-flow shower heads to reduce water use and water heating energy. Run only full loads in the washer and dishwasher.
- Refrigerators eat up the most energy of all our appliances. Consider buying a new one, it can save as much as half the energy of an old one. Check and vacuum your refrigerator coils every six months to keep it running at top efficiency.
- Replace old bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These last up to ten times as long and use about a quarter of the electricity. Have outside lights on timers and use motion sensors where appropriate, eliminating forgetful error and increasing home security.
- Maintain cooling and heating systems at peak efficiency to save energy. Clean or replace filters at recommended intervals.
- Use the microwave instead of the oven if possible. When you do use the oven cook two meals at the same time. Reheat the extra meal later in the week.
Make it your responsibility, teach it to your kids, and make sure it matters to everyone else.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
