Energy Saving Quick Tips

When I come across good tips for saving energy around the home and business, I’ll share them with you. So here is the latest presented by SDGE regarding how we use heating units in our homes. It has been a bit chilly lately and if we aren’t using our fireplace, we’re probably using central heating units.

According to SDGE  (sdge.com/winter) the best way to conserve energy while using your heating units is to install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific times to operate at particular temperatures. This allows you to decrease the furnace temperature down when you don’t need it, thereby saving up to 20% on your energy costs.

I advise you to implement a similar tactic with your landscape lighting systems by using a digital timer to operate your lighting system. Digital timers allow you to set specific times to operate your landscape lighting system versus dusk to dawn timers that stay on all night. In addition, digital timers have memory allowing you to set vacation status to operate your system when you are out of town with random on/off times giving the appearance of someone being home; an excellent security feature.

One step beyond a digital timer is a home automation system (a local San Diego company is leading the pack). There are many professionals to do the installation if you chose not to do it yourself (can be challenging initially). Automation systems will mimic your lighting use habits, can operate on motion systems, can operate interior and exterior lights, and can be managed via the Internet. Other options include hand held or table top remote control panels.

Regardless of how you decide to save, just know the options are endless. These tips are just some basic ways to get started. I’ll tip you again later…

LaGina
Loves Butterflies

Tags: energy saving devices, ernergy saving tips, programmable thermostats