North Concord, NC

Nowdays not only are times tight financially but we have a big responsibility to watch our energy usage for the environmnent. I hope everyone can start at least two of these items right away. As Realtors, we are responsible for setting an example and we can instill these habits in our clients almost without them even noticing.

• Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs with the ENERGY STAR® label.
• Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVD players in standby mode still use several watts of power).
• Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
• Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Visit www.energysavers.gov for more energy-saving ideas.