Green Interior DesignSaving Energy and Reducing C02 Emissions
Strategies for saving power and reducing C02 emissions
These two topics are intimately connected because most electrical power in the United States and Europe is provided by power companies who burn fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to generate electricity. So by reducing your consumption of electricity you are also reducing the amount of C02 gas emitted by power stations. The only exceptions to this connection are if you are 'off the grid' (generate your own electricity from solar and wind power) or you pay a prememium to a power company to only have electricity made from renewable sources of energy. Click on this link to discover if you are in a State in America with an option to buy green power.
For those offices and households relying on electricity from the main power grid using non-renewable fossil fuels there are a number of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your energy bills and save your money.
1. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs).
Change your incandescent lightbulbs for CFL lightbulbs. CFL lightbulbs last between 8 and 15 times longer than an equivalent incandescent lightbulb, and they also use less power. By changing just the 5 most used lightbulbs in your house to CFLs you can make savings of $100 a year. It is essential, however, that you safely dispose of CFLs after use because they contain mercury which is America's third most prevalent poison. Click here to find out more about CFLs.
2. Use a Programable Thermostat.
The United States Green Building Council recommends you keep your house temperature at 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in the summer and 62 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the winter. The Honeywell RTH8500D 7-Day Progammable Thermostat is a recommended thermostat that will save you $700 a year in heating and cooling costs.
3. Plug Air Leaks.
Common leaks occur around windows, doors and other wall penetrations. Simply use weather stripping and caulk to plug the holes. Plugging holes will reduce energy bills by $100 or more a year.
4. Tune Up Your Heating and Cooling (HVAC) System.
Have your heating and cooling (HVAC) system checked every two years to make sure it is running efficiently. Furthermore, during peak usage, clean your filter monthly. These two measures will save you over $100 a year.