Your home uses energy every day, all day long. It uses energy when you are home and when you are away. It uses energy in the winter to keep you warm and in the summer to keep you cool. Your home is constantly using energy.
Wouldn't it be great if all home owners could find ways to reduce some of the energy our homes use?
Reducing energy consumption in your home not only has positive impact on the environment it can also have a positive impact on you wallet!
Check out these six ways to a more efficient home~
~Follow these six steps to start saving energy and start saving money on your Reno home:
1) Do A Home Energy Audit ~ An energy audit helps Reno home owners determine where their utility energy dollars are going and offers help in determining how to lower your energy costs. Do one yourself or hire someone to audit your energy usage for you. If you want to save money, sign up for a MyAccount with NVEnergy and keep track of the energy your homes uses and compare your usage with other homes in your neighborhood. The home energy audit will tell you where your money is going!
2) Insulate and Seal~ Sealing and insulating your home's outer walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and floors is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. This can save 20 to 30 percent on heating and cooling costs. Hiring a professional contractor is often required to take on this project. Inexpensive ways to insulate and seal include caulking window seals and using weather stripping around doors to plug air leaks.
3) Hot Water Heating ~ Water heating is your home's third largest energy expense. A simple and inexpensive way to start saving energy is to insulate your water heater. Intall a water heater blanket to keep it warm. Install a timer so when you are asleep or away or water heater will shut off but will stay on when you know you will be home. If you purchase a new water heater, be sure to shop around for energy efficient models and look for available goverment tax rebates.
4) Consider New Windows ~ Modernizing your windows will not only help save 10 to 25% on your energy bills they will also increase the value of your home when you are ready to sell. Look for double or triple-pane windows with low-E coating. If you cannot replace windows, try replacing the blinds with efficiency-enhancing shades.
5) Buy Energy Efficient Appliances ~ Depending on their age and efficiency, it might be worthwhile to replace outdated appliances with new, EnergyStar appliances.
Appliances are about 20% of your energy bill. If you cannot afford to buy new ones there are a few things you do to start reducing energy consumption of your older models.
Start saving by only running your dishwasher when it is completely full, set your clothes washer water temperature to cold, turn your water heater down and turn the setting on your refrigerator down.
6) Lighting ~ Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Replace old light bulbs with new energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Upgrading 15 of the inefficient incandescent light bulbs in your Reno home could save you about $50 per year.
There are a bunch of other tips and money saving ways to save money and energy. The list provided is intended to help you get started on the road to a more energy efficient Reno, Nevada home. While some of the suggested changes will cost you money up front, the goal is to save money over time and help reduce the carbon footprint that your home leaves on the environment.
Reduce Energy And Start Saving Money: Six Steps To An Energy Efficient Reno Home
Here are a few additional money saving links:
NVEnergy ~ For Nevada consumers
Energy Saving Appliances & Home Electronics
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"It ain't easy being Green!" 
Kermie 
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The initial cost for CFL bulbs is still higher but last longer and use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. The market reaction was slow at first because the light produced was dim when first turned on and the bulbs were larger than some lamps could accomodate. The CFLs sold today are smaller and turn on almost instantly (within one second). They are available for use with dimmer switches, three-way lamps, track and recessed lighting.
"Rib-bit"
