8 Ways to be Energy Efficient at Home

Hurricane Omar is on its way across the nation, threatening to destroy homes and communities in its path. Storms cause downed power lines, loss of electricity, damage to your property and often, molding due to high water levels. Prepare an emergency tool kit to handle the effects of stormy weather. Your kit should include a flashlight, a high-quality utility knife, duct tape and a variety of batteries.

After hurricane season is over, freezing cold temperatures set in, resulting in overwhelming heating bills for many homeowners. This year, before it gets too cold, evaluate all your windows, doors and cabinet hardware for any cracked frames or stripping. Replace warn or torn weather stripping; this will keep warm air in and cold air out, which will reduce the cost of heating your home.

We've all heard the silly "is your refrigerator running?" quip-but it does contain a pearl of wisdom. If you're refrigerator, or any home appliance, is not running at optimal performance levels, it's best to catch it early before it's too late or costly. Energy-efficient appliances will save you money now and in the long run, so it's better to replace your sometimes functioning dryer now than wait until it ceases to function entirely. Look for the green EnergyStar logo, and you're guaranteed a high-quality, low-cost, energy-friendly appliance.

In addition to energy-efficient appliances, there are also many eco-friendly light bulbs on the market. These light bulbs are designed to last longer, save on your electricity bill, and often provide better lighting than typical light bulbs.

When colder months arrive, many homeowners forget that our biggest source of warmth is free-the sun. Opening shades and installing sky light window fixtures will maximize the sun's heat during daylight hours, and brighten any room. This way, you can turn down your thermostat during the day and use natural, free heat to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Many homeowners don't realize that ceiling fans can be used during both the summer and the winter months. In the summertime, a ceiling fan circulates cooler air and creates a soothing breeze. Likewise, in cooler months, a fan can spread warm air around the room or home evenly. Check your ceiling fan fixture for a direction switch. Most models, such as Hunter ceiling fans, are manufactured to oscillate both in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Fans should rotate in a clockwise direction in the winter to draw the hot air from the ceiling and distribute it evenly throughout the rest of the room.

By implementing these energy-efficient savings, you'll notice less money going toward bills and more money remaining in your wallet. Consider investing in a long-term energy appliance, such as a solar power grid. While their upfront cost is high (comparable to light bulbs and appliances), their long-term savings is unmatchable. As a bonus, many states offer rebates, tax credits and other incentives for homes that install solar panels.