5 Ways Florida Homeowners Can Go (& Save) Green For St. Patrick’s Day
While the thought of getting pinched may sway even the most apathetic Floridians to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, the idea of “pinching” is not always a bad thing.
Check out these five clever ways to save some green AND go green this St. Patrick’s Day.
#1 – Switch to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs is one of the fastest and easiest ways to save money and the environment. CFLs use about 70% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.
Want to go extra green? Light up your home with a bright green compact fluorescent light bulb in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
Total Savings: $30 to $80 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb
#2 – Invest in a Low-Flow Showerhead
Showering is one of the leading uses of water in the home, accounting for nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use.
Invest in a low-flow showerhead for $10-20, dispensing water at 2.5 gallons per minute with a water pressure of 80 pounds per square inch – plenty of water and pressure for most Floridians to enjoy their daily showers.
Total Savings: 25% – 60% on your water bill
#3 – Swap Out Plastic Water Bottles for a Water Filter
While they may be convenient, plastic water bottles are costly to our pocketbooks and the environment. Save money and reduce plastic waste by swapping plastic water bottles for filtered water.
How big is the difference? The average American uses more than 160 water bottles a year, spending an average of $1.45 per bottle – which adds up to $928. Replacing those water bottles with a filtered water pitcher ($20 + $26 for four filter replacements), a couple $12 reusable water bottles for each family member, and water from the tap ($0.24) would set you back $142.42, for a savings of $785.58 a year.
Total Savings: Approximately $800 annually
#4 – Plug in a “Smart” Power Strip
Phantom energy is one of the easiest ways to waste energy and money, accounting for more than 15% of the total electricity used by common household electronics like computers, cell phones, TVs, printers and stereo systems.
Cut down on phantom energy waste by plugging in a “smart” power strip that senses when your electronics are off or fully charged, and stops emitting energy accordingly.
Total Savings: Up to $30 annually
#5 – Install Solar Panels
The average U.S. household produces 7.4 tons of carbon dioxide per year through electrical use. Take advantage of Florida’s sunshine by having a professional contractor install solar panels on your roof. You will reduce your carbon footprint and save big bucks each month.
Prior to installation, check with your local municipality and homeowners association to identify any restrictions, submission requirements, and/or relevant building codes. Also, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure that you understand how installing solar panels may impact your home’s coverage. Contact a People’s Trust customer service representative (1-888-524-6003) to discuss your current policy and whether coverage limits should be increased to accommodate your new solar energy system.
Total Savings: Approximately $84 per month on your electricity bill