“Going green” is now the big thing to do for homeowners across the country as utility rates rise.And now, it is easier than ever to “go green”. Therefore, I have found 5 super simple ways to make greener and save you money. These simple tips will help your pocketbook now and in the future.

5 Super Simple Ways to Make Your Home Greener:

√ Buy EnergyStar Rated Appliances – Did you know that older appliances can cost you as much as $150 more per year than the newer EnergyStar rated ones? Even the Environmental Protection Agency agrees that we should replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones to save on overall energy. If you don’t have the money now, try to plan a budget to replace all your “energy suckers” over time.

√ Keep Hot Hot and Cold Cold – Did you know that as much as 60% of your annual energy could be related to your heating and cooling system? By turning down your thermostat in the winter and slowly raising it during summer, you can save an average of 5% for each degree you adjust.

Programmable thermostats are the best system to keep your home’s heating and air regulated. You can also help your home by insulating your hot water heater, shade your windows that get the most sun in the summer and keep them pulled open during the winter, and use ceiling fans to move the air in your home. Low speed is the best.

√ Slow the Flow – Did you know that installing aerators on your showerheads, faucets and toilets can cut your annual water usage by half or more? You may enjoy the force of powerful pressure in your shower, but it uses more than you need. And then there’s the biggest water user, the toilet. If your toilet is more than 15 years old, it uses twice as much water as the new low-flow models. However, you can adjust the float valves on your older model to permit a lower water flow into the tank.

√ Energy Efficient Lights – Did you know that by simply replacing your incandescent light bulbs with the EnergyStar rate fluorescent bulbs, you can save nearly $100 per year? Many of the energy-efficient bulbs last 5 to 10 years, which saves on replacement cost too.

√ Close Up all Gaps – Did you know that if you take a really close look around your home, you will find small areas with limited or no insulation? These areas can significantly increase your energy usage. You can have your home inspected by a professional for less than $200 in most areas and get an overall savings of $300 annually. Closing those gaps keeps your energy usage down more than you could ever imagine.

These tips on super simple ways to make your home “greener” are brought to you by: Erika Rogers – your resource for St. George, UT and surrounding communities.