ReTRo HouSeWiFe

THE ECONOMICAL RETRO HOUSEWIFE

ALL ABOUT SAVING AND CONSERVING

Tips for Saving Energy

1. Turn off lights when not in use. - There are plenty of nifty devices these days that can help you do this!
2. Open south-facing window shades and drapes during the day and close them at night. (In the winter...this is to keep the house warm by capturing sun light. In the summer, you will want to do the opposite to keep the house cooler.)
3. Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees F. (This also has other benefits such as preventing the "lobster effect" in you or any of your fellow homies.)
4. Keep your fireplace damper closed when not in use.
5. Check your dryer vent cap to be sure it closes tightly when not in use.
6. Install storm windows if you have them.
7. Install foam insulators behind faceplates for light switches and electrical outlets
8. Replace your furnace filter once a month or every three months depending on filter type.
9. Seal gaps and cracks, especially around windows and doors, with caulk and weather stripping.
10. Use ventilating fans sparingly.
11. Replace standard light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs.
12. Choose Energy Star products.
13. Have a contractor perform an annual heating and cooling system check.
14. Install and use a programmable thermostat.
15. Replace your water heater if it's more than 10 years old.
16. Add insulation to the attic.
17. Replace your refrigerator if it's more than 10 years old.
18. Replace your heating and cooling system if it's old and inefficient.
19. Replace windows and doors if they're too cold to be near in the winter.
20. When building, choose an Energy Star qualified new home.
21. If you have a pet - say a dog or a cat - and you are thinking of getting a doggie door, get this one. It'll keep out drafts AND axe murderers! Even if they have a gun! It's bullet proof!
    
    (Tip: If you find yourself besieged by gunfire, hide next to the doggie door since it is most likely the only part of your home that is bullet proof!)

SAVE THE PLANET! SEND IN YOUR TIP!

Did You Know?
Lighting can consume 20%
 of home energy
use?

90% of a typical winter gas bill is spent on heating the home and heating water!

Places to Buy Eco-Friendly Products

1. Eco Options at Home Depot: The Home Depot has a really nice eco section that provides explanations and breaks products down by just HOW they help the environment (and help save you money...waste not want not!).
   Choose products from: Sustainable Forestry, Energy Efficient, Healthy Home, Clean Air and Water Conservation.

In the United Kingdom (Britain), households can choose their Gas and Electric Company! Much like we in the US can choose the phone company which offers us the best plan, UK residents can shop around for electricity! Usually, when companies compete, it is better for the consumer (us!) and you end up saving money. This seems to be the case in the UK, as these ads for saving money on your electric bills demonstrate!