Save Energy and Money Today

Jun 1, 2008

Save Energy and Money Today

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends more than $1,600 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars. The good news is, there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home. Start making small changes today. You can cut your energy use up to 25%.

Energy-efficient improvements not only make your home more comfortable, they can yield long-term financial rewards. Reduced utility bills more than make up for the higher price of energy-efficient appliances and improvements over their lifetimes. In addition, your home could bring in a higher price when you sell. These great energy saving tips shows you how easy it is to reduce your energy use at home and on the road.

Cooling Tips for the Summer

• Whole-house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. They are effective when operated at night and when the outside air is cooler than the inside.
• Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
• Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
• Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.
• Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
• Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but not to block the airflow. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.

Keep in mind that insulation and sealing air leaks will help your energy performance in the summertime by keeping the cool air inside.

$ Long-Term Savings Tip:

If your air conditioner is old, consider purchasing a new, energy-efficient model. You could save up to 50% on your utility bill for cooling. Look for the ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide labels.

$ Long-Term Savings Tip:

Consider installing a whole house fan or evaporative cooler if appropriate for your climate.

Information from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/index.html

Go GreenPlus - New Home Warranty Option for 2008

Find out more about the first-ever Green Home Warranty Option offered by HWA. It offers replacement with ENERGY STAR qualified products to save you money and help the environment for just $6.25/month. Items like your dishwasher, clothes washer, refrigerator and heating system are included. For more information about GreenPlus, click here.

Home Warranty of America™
Phone: 1-888-492-7359 or 1-888-325-5143 (CA only)
Fax: 1-888-492-7360