As you may (or may not) know, today is tax day. You have until midnight to postmark your taxes (very soon!) so make sure they are done! I realize it's a little late to discuss this, but it may be helpful if you are one of the last minute preparers of this evening (or if you plan to do this before 2010 or 2016, check the dates of the credit you are interested in)...
Some energy efficiency tax credits are available if you have upgraded an old furnace or water heater, installed new windows, re-insulated your house, or changed to a renewable energy type for your electricity needs. Energy efficient products are a great way to save money, especially in the long term. The immediate cost may be high, but lower energy bills will benefit you in the long run as less waste will occur, meaning less money wasted too!
How can you know it will help you? If you wonder if your home is wasting unnecessary amounts of energy or wonder where drafts are coming from, you can easily find out! For a low cost (and sometimes free, depending on the provider), you can receive an energy audit for your home or business. You can find areas where insulation is not sufficient or does not exist, or find out information about the efficiency of your current appliances and even examine your windows and doors for weather sealing ability.
The US Department of Energy website has a lot of detailed information about these assessments, links for what to look for yourself, and links for professional energy audits. If you find yourself wanting to make your home more efficient but do not have the money, check out the Keystone HELP program (in Pennsylvania, varies by state) to see how you can get a low-interest loan from the government for approved energy efficiency projects in your home. These programs, and the tax credits offered for EnergyStar appliances and solar or other renewable power can make energy efficiency affordable for everyone.
I would love to make my home completely energy efficient to reduce my monthly bills, but since I rent, I do not really have the power to make those decisions. However, even if you do rent, your landlord may be willing to help you out. And if not, you can always do simple things to save energy and reduce waste in your home. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use (in some cases) over 10 times less electricity than standard incandescent light bulbs. You can also buy surge protectors that will cut power to your appliances when they are not in use. Did you know your TV and computer, and nearly every other appliance, use what is known as "vampire power," even when off? That's right, you may turn them off, but those little indicator lights, clocks, and memories require some (albeit little) power to run. Using a product such as the one below can save you money on your electric bill and still allow you to use your appliances easily. Installing water-efficient shower-heads and faucets can save you money on your water bill as well!
What other things do you do to conserve energy?
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