Energy and Water Saving Tips

Here are some tips to help you save on your energy bill.

  • Change out incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. They use up to 90% less energy and give off very little heat. They can also last up to 25 time longer than incandescent bulbs and contain no mercury.
  • Get your A/C inspected before the summer heat sets in. Problems and costly repairs can be avoided, and your system should run more efficiently, also saving you energy. Don’t forget to change your air filter regularly; a dirty filter makes your A/C work harder.
  • Consider getting an automated thermostat installed that will allow you to program or remotely control the temperature in your home.
  • When going away on a trip, unplug unnecessary electronics (including your modems and routers if not needed) and drop your water heater’s temperature to low (or off).
  • When doing home improvement look into energy efficient items such as energy-efficient windows, new appliances that are energy efficient, solar-powered attic fans, solar tubes, solar water heaters, and EV solar panels.

How to save on your water bill.

  • Periodically check your sprinkler system for broken and miss-aimed heads. Replace and adjust them as needed.
  • Remove lawn grass by creating or expanding planters, mulched, or rocked areas. Remember to get approval from the HOA ARB before you begin making changes to the exterior of your home and yard. With proper planning you may be able to eliminate some of your sprinkler heads (cap them off) or even a whole zone.
  • Unneeded sprinklers can be capped off, but you can also fit them with ends that allow you to connect drip irrigation lines. Run them to potted plants or the base of bushes. This suggestion goes along with the previous suggestion of removing grass in place of planters.
  • Attach a rain gauge to your sprinkler controller so you don’t waste watering on days you have rain. Or manually turn off your system; just remember to turn it back on before your next watering day.
  • Do not water between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, and avoid watering on windy days.
  • When purchasing plants and bushes make sure they are appropriate for the Florida climate.
  • Don’t run the water constantly while doing dishes or brushing your teeth.
  • More water saving tips at the EPA.GOV site

 

Last updated 3/24/2022