This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Lennox® for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
1. Plant a garden. This idea is simple and it works. We have had a garden for about seven years. Use that garden to make your favorite foods that don’t require turning on the stove or oven. (we love to make salsa)
2. Turn your water heater down.
First, if you have kids, you want to turn it down to prevent accidental burning. Kids 4 and under are at the highest risk. Keep it below 120 degrees. When we go out of town, we turn it down even more. You can wrap a water heater blanket around your water tank (it is insulated). This cuts the heat loss by over 30% normally but can go as high as 40% in savings. We have had one in every house. Check your manual, too, as it may already be insulated.
If you can’t turn your water down, you can install anti-scald devices on faucets and shower heads to prevent burns in children. This anti-scald device will not let the water get over 120 degrees.
3. Toilets
You can either get a low-flow toilet (they are expensive- around $350) or you can just displace the water. You do this by filling a clean jug with water or rocks (you want to weigh it down). Lower it carefully into the back tank of the toilet. Replace the lid. You will use less water with each flush.
4. Use a dishwasher!
Hand-washing dishes tends to actually use more water, unless you are cautious not to use a lot. You do not need to pre-rinse or soak your dishes, if the dishwasher is efficient. Also, try not to use the heated dry- just let them air dry. I also wait until it is completely full before running it.
5. Watch the times of day that you water the outdoor plants.
Aim for 4:00 am to avoid using too much water (evaporation, etc…)
6. Recycle.
Our kids love to take old papers (coloring sheets) & use them to make fans. One time they even tried to sell them.
7- Adjust your heat/air
The Ultimate Comfort System™ from Lennox® is a unique system unlike any other and allows you to have the most efficient & smartest HVAC on the market (it is the quietest, too). The XC25 is the most precise and efficient air conditioner you can buy, offering the lowest operating noise levels of any air conditioner available. Use the Dealer Locator to find a Lennox® retailer near you!
We keep our home a little cooler than most in the winter and a little warmer than most in the summer. As my brother reminds me when I say that I should turn it up in the winter, “Your house SHOULD be a little chilly. You shouldn’t be wearing a tank top in the winter. You should be wearing a sweater. So, dress for that weather and you will be fine in your house.” Good point!
Here is a look at our family’s temperature settings, if it helps
Winter- 68 in the day, 71 at night (our kids kick off their blankets).
Summertime- 78 in the day, 82 if we are not going to be home (vacations, work) and 76 if we have people over (I get cold very fast, so 78 is perfect for me, but others like it cooler!)
DO YOU WANT TO WIN?
The Lennox® Energy Savings Superstar Contest (ESSC) is an annual contest Lennox® executes. To be entered to win, you must submit:
- An energy-saving tip they use in the summer
- A picture that illustrates this tip.
Four finalists will be chosen and users can vote on their favorite to determine the winner. The winner will then receive a high-value Lennox® prize package.
PRIZE DETAILS:
- $10,000 in Lennox® heating and air conditioning equipment
- A year supply of ice cream
- Tickets to the closest local water park
TIMING:
- July 1 – August 31: Entry submission window
- September 12 – 18: Voting period (vote for 1 of 4 finalists)
- September 28: Winner announced
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Canada (excluding Quebec) U.S. (DC) the age of majority in their jurisdiction. Ends 8/31/2016. For Prize info and official contest rules visit: http://static.lennox.com/pdfs/legal/OfficialContestRules2016-FINAL.pdf Sponsor: Lennox. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received.
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