The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) wishes you a Happy Earth Day. For over a half-century, this has been a day to reflect on our stewardship of the world’s resources, including our energy consumption. You may remember our post last year, which provided tips for being environmentally friendly with our energy use. In the spirit of growth, here are four more ideas to celebrate Earth Day in an energy-efficient style.
- Get out of hotter water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing your water heater’s temperature setting from 140 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees can bring significant savings, reduce usage and have a minimal impact on your health and comfort. And if you’re participating in the cold plunge craze, even 120 degrees in the shower will feel quite balmy!
- Spin your fan right-round. Instead of running your A/C full blast this summer, consider using your ceiling fans more efficiently if you have one. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, rotating your ceiling fans counterclockwise helps keep rooms cooler. Flipping the fan’s direction in winter has the opposite effect and aids in warming. Most fans have a simple switch that needs to be toggled to switch directions; make sure to clean those cobwebs off the blades while you’re up there!
- Here comes the sun. If you own a home with good solar resources, consider whether you could install rooftop solar to produce more of your own electricity. Or, if you rent or live in an apartment, check out community solar, an increasingly popular way to get the benefits of solar power generation without needing to own the panels yourself. You can also purchase electricity that includes renewable energy credits (REC), a way to track and support the environmental benefits of renewable energy generation. Check out your state’s retail energy shopping page for more information on what renewable energy options may be available to you.
- Treat yourself…to new energy-efficient appliances. When shopping for a new dishwasher, clothes dryer, or even big-screen TV, make sure to compare Energy Star ratings along with other factors. Many products come with rebates or tax incentives. Look at the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star Rebate Finder website to see if you can save some green by going green.
BONUS TIP – Choose your energy wisely. In many states, you can select the supplier for your natural gas or electricity supply. You can explore the options available to customers in your state by visiting RESA’s Energy Choice 101 webpage.
Whatever you choose, remember that making good energy decisions isn’t just for one day – these tips can help you year-round to manage your energy usage, save money, and do your part to keep the Earth green for future generations.
