Going green at home

Did you know that you can cut your electric bill by a significant percentage by following a couple quick tips:

Be bright about light

• Artificial lights add to the 44% of your energy so make sure to turn-off lights from rooms that you’re not using. And if possible, always use the natural light.

• Use an Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures which may give you two-thirds less of energy consumed, and set up a timer or motion sensor on it so it will automatically shut off when not in use.

Maximize computer efficiency

It has been discovered that business industry wastes $1 billion worth of energy a year because of computers.

• Always make sure that you turn off your computers and the power strip on it whenever you’re leaving. If not, you’re still consuming energy. You can check your IT department to make sure that your computer doesn’t need any maintenance or backups. When it’s daytime, you can have your computer go on an automatic sleep especially during breaks. This will be a help because 70% of energy can be reduced. And keep in mind that screen savers don’t save electricity.

• Make it a habit to own energy-saving computers, monitors, printers and other related devices. You can also have your old computers recycled or you can look for a recycler who doesn’t export harmful e-waste. Or better, donate your old computers to organization which can modify them. You may have deduction on tax.

Follow these simple steps and you're golden.