Go Green for St. Patty’s Day

It may not be St. Patrick’s Day just yet, but this whole month is definitely focused on green.  Here at FLAME, we also have a green focus.   Our focus is on green home comfort and energy efficiency.  In the spirit of this green month, here are a couple of green tips to help you finish out this winter and roll into spring in an energy efficient manner.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are a great and easy way to increase your home’s efficiency and save you a little money.  These thermostats allow you to set your home at specific temperatures for different times of the day.  Therefore, during the day when everybody is at work or school, your programmable thermostat could be set a few degrees lower.  Though you could make these changes manually, it can be easy to forget to do it as you are running out the door; use a programmable thermostat to do it for you!

Insulate Hot Water Pipes

Insulating the pipes that carry the hot water from your tank to the shower or sink can help prevent heat loss and therefore prevent energy loss.

Use Window Treatments Effectively

Curtains and blinds are not just for looks or to keep people from looking into your home.  They can also be used to help heat or cool your home.  In the winter having blinds open on sunny days will add warmth to your home, while keeping them closed on cloudy days will help to keep the warm air inside of your home.  However, in the summer, closing the blinds on sunny days will help your home to stay cooler.

Conserve Water

Taking shorter showers and turning off the sink while brushing your teeth are some ways to save water.  You could also try sweeping sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them, or keeping a pitcher of water in the fridge to keep it cool instead of letting the water run until it gets cold.

Well there you have it!  There are just some simple ways to go a little bit more green this March!  For more information about any of the above tips, or if you are interested in learning more…please contact FLAME!