How To “Green” Your Home Overnight

Good for the planet, and good for your wallet.

At Discount Power, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with the option of supporting sustainable, renewable energy.

With our Green Energy plans, 100% of your electricity usage is offset by carbon-neutral wind energy. And you also get to lock in our low rates for the long term so you’re not only helping to protect the environment, you’re saving money right alongside.

But that’s not the only way you can go green. We’ve put together some tips that you can use to do better for the environment today, and in the long run.

Switch your light bulbs

Are you still using incandescent light bulbs? You could be saving energy and money by replacing them with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Not only are LEDs more energy efficient, they last much longer so you’re not spending money as often to replace them (and you’re putting fewer light bulbs in the trash)!

Make laundry day more efficient

There are several ways you can save energy and water while doing your laundry.

• Use cold water as your default washing machine setting.
• Line-dry your laundry whenever possible.
• Don’t overload the dryer. Split large loads into two smaller ones for faster, more efficient drying with fewer wrinkles.

Be smart about water

Water is a precious resource, and water heating accounts for 20% of our homes’ energy usage in a given year. Here are some ways you can reduce usage on both counts.

• Most water heaters come with the factory-default temperature setting of 140˚ Fahrenheit. But that is unnecessarily high for most of us, and presents a scalding risk, especially for infants, children and the elderly. Turn it down to 120˚ Fahrenheit for greater efficiency without sacrificing results.
• Install low-flow showerheads and aerators on your faucets, which not only reduce hot water usage, but water usage overall.
• Toilets are the top water-user in most homes. When you’re replacing a toilet in your home, look for the WaterSense label. You can reduce your home’s water usage from toilets by up to 60%!
• Dishwashers use much less water than washing that same full load of dishes by hand – give things a quick rinse, but certainly rely on your dishwasher to do most of the legwork.

Use programmable thermostats

Did you know that you can save 10% on your heating and cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours each day? A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperatures in your home at corresponding times. Some thermostats can even be managed right through your smartphone.

Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

If you’re replacing appliances or home heating, cooling and comfort equipment in your home, prioritize energy efficiency. Look for the EnergyStar label.

Think green when it comes to waste

Recycling isn’t the only way you can reduce what you send to the landfill. Keep “green waste” like grass clippings and leaves out as well. Find out if your community collects those separately. You can also use them at your own home for compost, which acts as a free fertilizer for your yard and garden – perfect for landscaping this spring season.

Feel good about the electricity you use in your home. Contact us today to learn more about our Green Energy plans, and the benefits they provide.