Ways to save energy (and money) during the colder months
published in Totally Wired winter 2009-2010 editionIn today’s economic and social environment, saving energy is on everybody’s mind. Listed below are easy ways to help you during the colder months:
Let In the Sunshine! Open up those blinds and drapes to soak up all that solar heat. Close them at night to keep out the chilly drafts.
Set your water heater to 120° F which will still keep your water warm enough, but reduce the amount of energy used to heat the water.
Purchase a programmable thermostat which allows you to automatically turn down the heat at certain times of the day. You can save up to 15 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours.
The Omni Home Automation system allows thermostats and lights to be controlled by certain events such as the setting of the alarm or dawn and dusk. You can also control it remotely by telephone and through the Internet.
Use energy efficient light bulbs and turn your lights off. Think about installing motion sensors that trigger a light to turn on and off when entering/exiting a room. Great for those night trips down the hall or other areas you may forget to turn off the light.
Read more about the Omnistat2, HAI's automated thermostat
Article Source: Energy Savers and HAI Home Auto
