Independence Day is a display of light, energy and spirit that few other holidays can match. From enormous pyrotechnic wonders to thick slabs of char-grilled American beef, the 4th of July is a day where we often throw conservation out the window and blast our American pride at full volume. However, there are still great opportunities to save money and energy this Fourth of July and help strengthen America’s conservation effort. Here are ten things you can do on this holiday to help the cause.
Turn back time by turning off the A/C
No doubt that the founding fathers would have loved air conditioning, but Philadelphia’s Independence Hall still doesn’t have that technology. Why not meet the spirit of 18th century halfway by using a fan instead of the A/C? You’ll save money and be closer in spirit to Ben Franklin.
Trade up to a new TV
Celebrate the expulsion of the red coats by getting rid of your old CRT TVs and replacing them with energy efficient LED technology. Not only will the picture look better, but it will cost much less in the long run. Holiday favorites “Independence Day” and “The Patriot” will look better than ever.
Declare independence from leaks
There’s no debate; leaks in your home are bad for energy efficiency. EnergyStar.gov says that as much as 20 percent of air can be lost from holes in ducts. Sealing leaks is low-cost and provides significant savings even after Independence Day.
A bright idea for bulbs
American Independence is all about the spirit of innovation and progress. EnergyStar.gov says to “swap out incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient lighting choices. Energy Star qualified lighting not only uses less energy, it also produces about 75 percent less heat than incandescent lighting, so cooling bills will be reduced, too.”
Cook outside
If you’re cooking on the stove for Independence Day, then you’ve missed the memo about Fourth of July cooking. Get a grill and throw on some hot dogs, hamburgers, steaks and veggie kabobs! You’ll keep your home cooler and you’ll save on electricity or gas bills.
Take the plunge
Jumping in the lake, pool or ocean is still the best way to cool off on a hot day. Energy.gov suggests that the Fourth of July is the perfect day to give the A/C a rest and enjoy America’s natural cooling features. They also recommend to keep the shades closed to prevent sunlight from heating the home.
Stay green
You may not think about how much energy your hotel or resort is using because you’re not directly affected by the costs, but you can make an impact on America’s energy consumption on Independence Day by only staying at properties that have earned the EPA’s Energy Star label. You can see which places have earned this title by visiting this list.
Give your thermostat a vacation
According to EnergyStar.gov, you’ll save more energy turning your thermostat to 85 degrees while away on vacation than leaving it off altogether. It turns out the costs of cooling your home back down from a higher temp outweigh the cost of keeping it at 85.
Unplug your electronics
Even when your devices are off, they draw electricity when they are plugged into a socket. Unplugging portable electronics and small appliances will keep electricity in the grid and reduce the stress on power plants.
Be (worry) free
A home warranty from American Home Shield can help you worry less over the summer holiday and relax more all year round.
Post Author: andyc.
