5 Energy and Money Saving Tips

Saving Money and Energy at the Same Time…

1. Federal Appliance Rebates
Incentives for trading in your old appliances for newer, more energy efficient models could get you between $50 and $500 in the form of a rebate. The problem with this program is that it is administered at the state level, meaning that when funding for a particular state is used up, there are no more rebates handed out. Florida, for example, ran out of funding just 36 hours after the program launched. Michigan, on the other hand, still has plenty of funding available for residents looking to upgrade. For information about the Cash for Appliances program in your state, visit EnergySavers.gov/financial.

2. State Run Programs
If your state no longer has funds available for the government run program, you may be able to take advantage of some of your state run programs. There are roughly 600 programs offered by local utility companies and well over 100 different programs supported at the state level. For example, if you buy an Energy Star washing machine in Oregon you’re eligible to receive a $75 rebate. Many states will offer rebates for properly disposing of refrigerators, televisions, and other appliances at recycling centers. For further information about state and utility-run rebate programs in your area, visit dsireUSA.org.

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3. More Federal Incentives
Until the end of the year, taxpayers can claim a $1,500 tax credit for up to 30 percent of the cost of energy-related improvements to their homes. Furthermore, there is a government sponsored bill known as Cash for Caulkers which, if passed, could offer homeowners a significant rebate on a variety of energy saving appliances, building materials, and other projects.

Ronnie Kweller, a spokesperson for the Alliance to Save Energy, a nonprofit organization, notes that the Cash For Caulkers rebate program might be used in conjunction with the $1,500 federal tax credit.

4. Money Best Spent on Energy and Savings
Many experts recommend that older homes have a comprehensive energy audit conducted to best determine how you can save the most money while becoming more energy efficient. The cost for an energy audit can run as much as $400, however some cities and utility companies will conduct a basic inspection of your home for free.

A good example of wasted money on energy is buying a brand-new state-of-the-art air conditioning unit only to find that your home is improperly insulated, causing unnecessary energy usage, loss of cool air, and a hike in your electric bill.

5. Small Projects with Big Impacts
Look for some basic energy saving tips for around the house, because many times it’s the little things that make big differences. For example, for every degree that your thermostat is adjusted, either up or down for cooling or heating your home, you will save an estimated 2 percent off your annual costs. Replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) can save an additional $50 to $80 per year for the standard-sized household.

Related Information
5 Things to Know About Energy Rebates
Save Energy at Home
Energy Savings – Saving Energy In All Sectors
Energy Conservation
Residential Wind Turbines

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Tags: Alliance to Save Energy, Cash for Caulkers, Energy Saving, Energy Star, EnergySavers.gov, Federal Appliance Rebates, Federal Incentives, Florida, Michigan, Oregon, Ronnie Kweller, State Run Programs

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