Yesterday was Earth Day, which began in the 70s after Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed a day to educate the nation about the environment using the national media. After a lot of work,
on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans demonstrated for a healthy environment from coast to coast. The day aligned Democrats and Republicans. Earth Day became global in 1990 when 200 million people celebrated the environment. Perhaps yesterday you planted a tree, walked to work, or enjoyed time spent out in the open air. However, you don’t have to stop celebrating energy efficiency and the planet because Earth Day is over. Here are four ways you can keep the planet healthy (and keep money in your wallet) with a home warranty!
Change your Light Bulbs to Energy Efficient Versions
Using a compact fluorescent light bulb uses 90% less energy than an incandescent bulb.Energy Star reports that if every household in the nation changed just one light bulb to a compact fluorescent bulb, they would be able light 300 million homes for an entire year with the saved energy.
Not only will energy efficient bulbs save you money on electricity, but they also help with cooling your home. A normal light bulb produces 90 more heat than a fluorescent bulb.
Clean your Appliances Regularly
Properly maintaining your appliances is helpful for them to have a long lifespan, but it also helps for energy efficiency. Older appliances that aren’t maintained as per the manufacturers’ suggestions build up dirt, dust, and other unpleasant substances. This dirt makes your appliances work harder than they need to, using up more energy in the process and costing you more money in the long run.
When you clean your appliances, they work quicker and save more energy, as well as money from your pocket. For example, cleaning your dryer by vacuuming out lint from the connector hose, lint trap, and around the vent area of your home can help the dryer dry your clothes faster, and save more money and energy. Plus, maintaining your home’s systems and appliances is extremely important if you have a home warranty.
Replace your HVAC filters Monthly
Your HVAC system works by drawing air inside of it, and then heating or cooling that air and moving it throughout your home. Sometimes this air can be dirty, and before the air is blown throughout your home, it passes through a filter to trap dirt, pollen and other problematic substances that you probably don’t want to be breathing. The more you use your HVAC system, the dirtier your filters become, and the less likely they are to trap unpleasant substances. The dirtier your HVAC filters become, the harder your HVAC system has to work to cool, heat and pump air throughout your home. The harder your system works, the more energy it consumes, which is bad for the planet and for your wallet. So, make sure to change your filters every month so you can save energy and money.
Get a Home Warranty
A home warranty can save you money … and help to save the planet. When your home’s appliances and systems fail and you have a home warranty plan, you only pay $60 to repair or replace them if they’ve failed from normal wear and tear. If you have to replace your systems or appliances, you will be given new models, which are more energy efficient. If you want to be able to purchase a particular energy efficient model, you can always ask for cash in lieu of a replacement. With home warranties, you can save money on your repairs and replacements, and on your energy bills with more efficient systems and appliances.
For more information on home warranties, and how you can help celebrate Earth Day with a home warranty, go to
www.LandmarkHW.com.