Energy Saving Tips For Your Home

There are some great energy saving tips available from The House Designers, particulary about green house plans and home building. With more than 45% of eneregy bill costs going to heating and cooling homes, small changes become necessary to save money. Here are a few simple tips that will have a big impact on both your eneregy bill and the environment.

1. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.

2.Clean or replace filters on furnaces and air conditioners once a month. This can lead to big savings year round as well as a smaller carbon footprint.

3. Don't just use your drapes and windows coverings for decoration. In the warmer months keep your window coverings closed on the south, east and west to prevent solar gain and in the colder months keep them open to allow the warmth of sunlight in.

4. Glass fireplace doors help heat from being lost up the chimney. Keep the damper closed when not in use so air can't escape or come in.

5. About 15 percent of an average home energy bill goes to heating water. To save hot water, take five-minute showers instead of baths. Do only full loads when using the clothes washer or dishwasher. Also, lower the temperature on your water heater. If you hold a thermometer under hot running water it shouldn't read more than 130 degrees.

For more tips about how building green and saving energy can save you money and help the environment, visit the green home building section at thehousedesigners.com