Green Lifestyle Tips

There are many steps the Homeowner can take to be environmentally responsible and at the same time experience great savings.

For example:

1. Electricity
   • Dimmer Switches - use dimmer switches on regular incandescent and halogen lamp fixtures - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • Electrical Panel - install a transient voltage surge suppressor on your panel, it doesn't save energy but it does extend the life of electronics and lamps in your home - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • Light Bulbs - compact fluorescent or LED lamps on non-dimmer switched fixtures 4 to 20 watts versus 60 to 100 watts.
   • Low Voltage Transformers (cell phones, small electronics, etc.) - unplug while not in use or use power strip with an on/ off switch. - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • Switches - use motion sensing switches - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • Install the TED - to monitor power usage. - Call Pat Murphy Electric Inc to help you with this task.
   • AC Thermostat- use electronic programmable thermostat with the following settings: 78 degrees during summer/ warm months and 68 degrees during winter/ cold months; use ceiling fans or fan only setting on your t-stat during summer months, reverse the ceiling fans direction during the winter months - We recommend having an HVAC contractor complete this task.
   • HVAC Unit - regular maintenance, clean strainer, and change filter quarterly; have duct work cleaned and seal duct leaks - We recommend having an HVAC contractor complete this task.
   • Water Heater Thermostat - set to energy saving/ recommended zone; tankless water heater - We recommend having a Plumbing contractor complete this task.
   • Refrigerator/Freezer Settings- set to energy saving/ recommended zones, a full refrigerator/ freezer is more efficient than a half full or less refrigerator/ freezer, pull out every six months and vacuum dust.
   • Dishwasher - only use dishwasher when full and during off peak hours (after 7PM and before 7AM), use air dry option instead of heat dry.
   • Oven/Stove Top - match the size of the pan to the stove eye, use timers and open the oven door less while cooking; ceramic, glass, and stainless cookware holds heat better.
   • Clothes Washer/Dryer - use during off peak hours (after 7PM and before 7AM).
   
   Insulation
   • Windows - UV window film (not tinted), draperies/ window treatments (remember per the condo docs must be white or off white from the outside) - We recommend an Insulation Contractor complete this task.
   • Water Heater - use an external water heater blanket/ insulation.
   • Cracks - turn every light on in the house and while it is dark walk around it noting where you have cracks to fill/ insulate. We recommend an Insulation Contractor complete this task.
   • Attic Insulation - Check the depth of your attic insulation with a tape measure - We recommend an Insulation Contractor complete this task.
   
   Water
   • Toilets - make sure water is not trickling in the bowl or the tank draws water periodically - We recommend having a Plumbing contractor complete this task.
   • Bathroom Sink - make sure the faucet has an air-raider screen, repair any periodic drips (typically hot handle gasket needs replacing ) - We recommend having a Plumbing contractor complete this task.
   • Shower Heads - use an aerated shower head.
   • Kitchen Sink - make sure the faucet has an air-raider screen, repair any periodic drips - We recommend having a Plumbing contractor complete this task.
   • Dishwasher - only use dishwasher when full
   • Ice Maker - use ice maker only when ice levels get low, then that raise the sensor bar to the off position.
   • Clothes Washer - make sure the washer water connects are not leaking and the unit is draining properly.
   • Water Heater - make sure the water heater is not leaking.

Now that you know what to look for, you’ll be better equipped to keep your energy bills and your budget under control.