Are you resolving to save money in 2014? Efficiency pays off! Check out these tools to help you lower bills by saving energy, water and fuel at home and on the road. Added bonus: you’ll help the environment, too.
Lower Your Energy Bills
Do it yourself: ENERGY STAR’s Home Energy Yardstick provides an easy-to-understand assessment of how your home energy use compares to similar homes. The tool provides a snapshot of how you use energy at home and ideas for improving comfort and lowering your utility bills.
Get help from a professional: A professional home energy audit is a detailed, room-by-room assessment that can help you find ways to save 5-30 percent on your energy bill. Check with your local or state energy/weatherization office or your electric/gas utility for help finding an auditor. Learn more about home energy audits in the Energy.gov infographic below.
Look for incentives: Some states, localities and utilities offer incentives and rebates for performing home energy audits and making improvements. Find out what’s available where you live.
Don’t Send dollars Down the Drain
Calculate your water savings: Want to know how much that water-efficient appliance will really save? Use EPA’s WaterSense calculator to see how much water (and money!) you can save with WaterSense labeled low-flow toilets, faucets and shower heads.
Search for rebates: Check out the WaterSense Rebate Finder to find money-saving rebate programs for WaterSense labeled products and water conservation services.
Save at the Pump
Save fuel to save money: FuelEconomy.gov offers tips for driving efficiently and keeping your car in top shape to get the best gas mileage possible. Use the My MPG to track your vehicle’s fuel economy and compare it with EPA test ratings.
Weigh your options: In the market for a new car? Compare vehicles side-by-side, view lists of most-efficient and most-popular cars and trucks, and learn about tax incentives for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid cars.
Infographic by Sarah Gerrity, Energy Department
For more Earth Gage tips, go to www.EarthGauge.org.