Go Digital with an Eco Friendly TV

By now we are all sick of the commercials telling us that after February our TV's might not work. If you have already sent away for a digital converter, make sure that it is energy star compliant. For the rest who are thinking of buying a new television set think about making it an Eco friendly one.

Nearly every brand available has an energy star certified model for purchase. In fact most of the models are about the same price as the regular. If you are already in the process of searching, wait no longer. As the economy worsens the prices of electronics is primed for people looking for a bargain.

Being green is so easy these days. As older and less efficient appliances break, try and replace them with new Eco conscious items. An energy saving TV might be the most apropos place to start. But remember, get it before February 17th, otherwise you may be out of luck!

Cooking-Saving Time and Money

There are many reasons to take a look at the way you cook. Cooking a home cooked meal has many advantages. If done correctly it can save you a bunch of money. Everyone is worried about going green, saving money and keeping a healthy and happy family. All of these things can be accomplished in one fell swoop.

Home cooked meals get overlooked a ton. By sitting and eating a meal at home, you will be saving on gasoline for the car. At the same time you will be able to sit and enjoy a meal with your family. Keeping a regular scheduled sit down time with the family is important.

When it comes to the stove top, use the correct burner for the correct sized pot. Also, if possible keep the lids and covers on the pots and pans. This can significantly decrease cook time and save you money.

As the price of energy goes up, never before has home cooked meals been so important.

Refrigerator- Understanding It

Using your appliances for what they were designed for is key to making the most of energy efficiency in your home. This is true with every piece of equipment, which is why energy monitors are so important. One of the most overused and least understood appliances in the home is the refrigerator.

A standard refrigerator can handle about 50 pounds of food. This means that you should NOT overload the poor thing. Overloading your fridge will also cause it to be tremendously inefficient and waste a lot of energy.

Some easy ways to keep track of fridge consumption is to load only what you need for the day. For example, instead of loading in your favorite pop and pull out a can when you want, only loads two at a time. Once you are done with one replace it, this will help with energy efficiency as well.

Some things to keep in mind as well is to fix the seals of the fridge. Use a dollar and see if it holds in the door. Make sure that the circulation of the outside of the fridge isn’t blocked as well.

A big tip to help keep energy efficiency is to turn off your ice maker; these lovely items tend to waste quite a bit of energy.

The refrigerator is one of the best appliances ever invented. Take some time and learn about how to use them to the most of their ability. If you are in the process of looking for new one, make sure that it is an Energy star certified one, this will make sure that you not only know the best way to get the most out of it, but you will be buying the best as well.

Smaller Appliances save money over Large Ovens

Saving energy is not all about cutting down on using appliances. Many times it is about using things more wisely. One example is cutting your energy use by not using your large oven for little warm ups. Heating food with a large oven is one of the least efficient ways to heat food. Using your kitchen wisely like this may be able to save you 75% off your kitchens energy usage.

Stoves work by heating up an area. Anything within that area gets hot, including the Empty Space.

Smaller appliances are made for quick and easy heating. The reason these appliances are so great is that they are made to specifically heat food. A microwave used to heat a bowl of soup will cut down on energy costs over putting a pot on the stove top. Microwaves can be used not only to reheat, but defrost. Toaster ovens are our personal favorite because nearly everything you can do in a big oven, you can do in these handy things. Heating up that piece of pizza takes less time and less energy. Some other items to consider is and electric kettle and electric fry pan.

Less time in the oven means more money in your pocket!

Shower vs. Bath

It’s just about that time of year, where loved ones go and try to find the presents that will be loved. Obviously they are trying to find the best presents that are eco-friendly as well. That goes without saying. This year before considering pampering your loved one with a warm bath, you may want to reconsider.

A hot or warm bath will waste a lot of hot water. Like any water it takes energy to heat it up. Baths while nice every once in a while, generally are not the most eco friendly gift. On a more serious note, if you are a perpetual bather than you may want to reconsider the shower.

Save time and money and put baths as a specialty. Showers do not use nearly as much water. Showers are great time, money and energy conserving items that can be used. Showers allow you to feel good about being eco friendly. Remember, the next time you are thinking about it, think shower!

Blinds Open and Close them, Save some Money!

Saving money and energy is getting easier and easier. Sometimes you really don’t need to buy or make a real big effort to make a difference for y our pocket book. Saving energy should be a year round event. This simple action can be done year round. Simply, open or close your blinds. Let’s Explain.

In the summer, heat comes into your home. However, many times we don’t use our blinds correctly. When it gets too hot out keep them closed. It will reduce the amount of work your air conditioner has to do. This means you save money and energy.

In the winter, open them to let the sun in. Even on days with a foot of snow the sun will generally still shine. The natural sunlight will save on your heating bill.

Saving energy and money is easy; you simply have to stay aware. You don’t always need to go and buy some gadgets to save money. Blinds were made to help you save money, use them.

Adding Area Rugs - Save Money on Heating

Have you ever gone to visit a friend’s house, taken off your shoes when you come in, only to feel you feet freeze on the cold floor or even cold carpet? If you have or this is your house, there is an easy solution and it may end up saving you some money the next time you energy bill comes in. It can be fixed by putting in an area rug.

What can an area rug do for you? You don’t need to go out and get one of those expensive Persian rugs(unless you want to). A simple plush type run can keep your feet and serve as basic insulation from the cold floor. This insulation will keep your house a little warmer in the winter than it used to be.

Another great aspect of having warm feet is that it may allow you to keep your furnace a little lower. If you turn down the furnace by two degrees, it may save you 3-5% on your energy bill.

Of course the great things about rugs are that they can add some great accent to your room. As the weather gets warmer, you can always just simply pull the carpet and go back to the summer look.

Replace your Furnace Filter-Save Energy-Breathe Better

As the weather is constantly changing it may be time to make sure that your furnace is working correctly and efficiently. Furnaces to many of us are scary things that live in the basement. Unless something goes wrong, we really don’t want to think about it. But in an effort to save some energy, money and ensure the wellness of all who live in the house it may be time to replace you air filter.

Furnace filters have many functions. They keep your furnace working efficiently, meaning you save energy and keep you costs down month to month. They also have a second and very important role. They capture dust, pollen, allergens, dander and a whole assortment of things that you really would rather not breathe in.

Filters should generally be replaced every three months. Depending on your health and you pet situation, you may want to at least clean it out every month. A filter may run you around $10. While you may not make up for the cost in energy, it may keep your whole family breathing a whole lot easier than they used to.

Vacuum vents and Save Energy

Sometimes as we are cleaning up, we will forget about some places in the house. One place not to forget is your vents. By keeping the air vents clean you are saving energy. Your heater and air conditioner work keeping your house or apartment warmed or cooled. The harder it has to work, the more money your spend.

Don't make your air system work harder than it needs to.

Every month or so, locate all the vents and stick your vacuum in them and start sucking up the junk that accumulates. You may be surprised. This cleaning will save energy and cut down on nasty allergens. Every couple of years look into getting a professional to come in and get a whole air duct cleaning.

While you are cleaning those vents out, make sure they are not blocked. The more vents you have blocked, the more energy you are wasting. Make sure while you incorporating the Feng Shui don't block the heating vents.

Water Saving Ideas can Equal Energy Saving

There are hundreds of simple and easy ways to save water in your house. Wouldn't it be great if those water saving ideas also ended up being energy saving ideas as well? It is time to get real about water saving. We have become accustomed to letting our sinks, showers, toilets, and anything else that spits out water run.

The less heated water we waste, the less energy we waste.

There are two places in our house that the most hot water gets thrown away. Our hard earned money is literally going down the drain. There are some easy devices that nearly anyone can install.

For less than $10 you can install an aerator on your sinks. These aerators restrict the amount of water that comes out of your sink. You will not notice they are there. You will save nearly 50% on your water bill because you will be using half the water that you used to.

Another great purchase this holiday season is a low flow shower head. These not only aerate your shower head, they don't sacrifice water pressure. These may set you back about $40, but it is well worth it.

Energy saving are easy and simple. Protecting your wallet is becoming easier than ever. Water conscious is energy conscious. Go get yourself an aerator and start making a difference!