Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: At Home

Big Carbon Footprint Game

Thanks to everyone who participated in our game last week.  We added quite a few stickers!  

This week we are focusing on ways to reduce our carbon footprint at home.  I hope you will join us!

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint:  At Home

We spend so much of our time at our homes; it is also one of the best places to reduce our carbon footprints – and save money too!

1. Use a programmable thermostat
2. Set the thermostat cooler in winter and warmer in summer
3. Change air filters regularly for best airflow
4. Buy efficient AC and heating units
5. Get a home energy audit (you can request a free one from Pepco)
6. Seal air leaks, replace old windows, or add insulation
7. Set hot water heater to 120° F
8. Buy low flow shower heads
9. Wash clothes in warm or cold water; rinse with cold
10. Use a clothes line instead of dryer wherever possible
11. Turn off lights when not in a room
12. Turn off TV and computer when not using.  Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use.
13. Unplug chargers when not using, as the transformer in the AC adapter draws power continuously, even when the device is not plugged into the adapter.
14. Buy energy efficient appliances.
15. Keep your computer in low-power mode as much as possible; use automatic switching to sleep mode or turn it off.
16. Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator.  Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
17. Buy/use Halogen, LED or florescent light bulbs.
18. Install solar-powered outdoor lights.
19. Put solar panels on your roof (Solar City has a 20 year lease program, or you can purchase your own.)
20. Buy clean energy.  PEPCO distributes electricity from many providers; you have a choice.  For clean energy, see Ethical Electric, Viridian power with purpose; Inspire Energy; Oasis Energy (sells dirty energy also); and Washington Gas Energy Services (has wind power options).  They all have web sites with their respective rates, contracts, etc. 

Resources:

http://www.pepco.com/my-home/save-money-and-conserve-energy/efficiency-rebates-and-incentives-and-programs/  There are several programs, including: peak energy savings credit; energy wise rewards; lighting program; home energy check-up program; and more.

energysaver.gov