Cutting Back and Going Green Posted On : May-18-2010 | seen (628) times | Article Word Count : 495 |
For many homeowners Jim Brown Browns Jersey , the two goals of reducing expenses and becoming more ecologically friendly end up in opposition. For many homeowners, the two goals of reducing expenses and becoming more ecologically friendly end up in opposition. However, when one thinks about it, going green saves energy which should save money. Doing both at the same time simply requires a different mindset than that recommended by the green industry.
There are a number of ways to save on climate control costs. The first is to ensure that one's climate control equipment is operating efficiently. Changing filters on a quarterly basis Bernie Kosar Browns Jersey , at minimum, is an excellent way to do this. Given that filters can cost a little as a couple of pounds and that changing a clogged one can reduce heating or cooling costs by twenty percent, this is a change that can pay for itself in a month. For cooling, consider using a fan which draws significantly less power than an air conditioner. Even better Austin Seibert Youth Jersey , given the cool climate here in England, one can simply open up opposing windows to create a cross breeze. For heating, simply wearing warmer clothing around the house will enable one to turn the thermostat down, as will adding an extra blanket to the bed. A programmable thermostat which can be user installed and is Sheldrick Redwine Youth Jersey , again, very inexpensive, can also significantly lower heating and cooling costs by shutting the system down when it is not needed. One can also use, or avoid Sione Takitaki Youth Jersey , solar power without an expensive photovoltaic array. Simply uncovering windows to allow the sun's energy in, or covering them to keep it out can also significantly affect indoor temperatures.
Lighting is also a major source of energy expense as well as carbon footprint. Switching to compact flourescent lightbulbs is a very cost effective way to reduce energy usage by about 70%. Reconfiguring lights to better cover a room can also make a difference in how much light is actually necessary. Directed task lighting can allow one to have a bright work surface while not having to pay to light an entire room. Finally, on a sunny day, one can benefit greatly by using the natural light of the sun as an adjunct to home lighting.
Another way to save significant cost is by transitioning to a dual fuel tariff for one's gas and electricity. Since energy suppliers would prefer to do more business with each of their customers Greedy Williams Youth Jersey , they offer significant discounts for people who steer all of their energy delivery business to them. One provider charges 21% less for people on a dual fuel tariff than they charge for gas and electricity separately. If one has an energy bill of 1000 pounds per year, that 210 pound savings could be used to purchase a number of green technologies, or to switch to a different energy supplier who has a greener mix of energy. Combining this change with the energy saving heating, cooling and lighting practices already identified here can yield significant cost savings as well as significantly reducing one's carbon footprint. When winter comes you're going to have enough extra expenses weighing down your checking account. You don't need your auto insurance adding to the pressure! Believe it or not David Njoku Youth Jersey , there are hundreds, if not thousands of people out there that watch their auto insurance rates climb every winter. Why? Because Old Man Winter likes to have the last laugh! Here are some easy tips to help you keep your car, your finances and your auto insurance intact until spring.
1) Make sure your liability auto insurance is going to be able to pick up the mess if you are in an accident this winter. Every state has its own policies when it comes to minimum levels of auto insurance, but they all have one thing in common-just enough is almost never enough. Most experts recommend that you carry a minimum of $100 Myles Garrett Youth Jersey ,000 per person and $300,000 in bodily injury and $100,000 in property damage insurance.
Just in case.
2) Do you have collision and comprehensive auto insurance coverage on your car? If not, now's the time to pick it up. Liability will take care of the damages to the other vehicles involved in the accident Nick Chubb Youth Jersey , but it's not going to do anything for your car. Wildlife have their own opinion of where your car ought to be (and where they ought to be riding). Icicles still obey the laws of gravity, and slick, icy roads spell disaster from the word "go".
Since none of these damages are covered by your liability you're going to be left holding the bill while you try to come up with the money andor financing to buy another car. Nobody wants to be without wheels that long! Comprehensive andor collision auto insurance coverage will pick up the slack and get you back on the road in a flash.