Making Your Energy Choices Count this Earth Day

(NAPSI)—This year is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day—an excellent reason to consider ways you can make a difference, not just for the environment, but for yourself, your home, and your family. 

One of the most effective steps you can take to help the environment is to be more energy efficient. Using less energy reduces air pollution associated with energy generation and helps ensure that limited energy resources go further. Smart energy choices also lower your energy bills and improve the health and comfort of your home. 

Here are three top ways you can save with energy choices that count for you and the planet.

1. Make Energy Efficient Upgrades to Your Home: For most houses, the upgrades that make the biggest difference on energy use are switching to heat pump HVAC and water heating, adding attic insulation, and getting high-efficiency windows. These high-impact energy-saving improvements are the focus of an ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade (energystar.gov/HomeUpgrade). You can choose the improvements that make the most sense for your home and implement them at your own pace. Designed to work together to deliver significant energy and cost savings, these upgrades will also help make your home more comfortable and could improve indoor air quality.

2. Take Advantage of Rebates and Tax Credits: Generous incentives are currently available that make higher-impact home upgrades more affordable. These include federal income tax credits of 30% of the cost of the project, up to $3,200 per year. Learn more at energystar.gov/TaxCredits. Utility rebates and income-eligible home energy incentives are rolling out in many states. To find out what is available in your zip code and get access to buying guidance and local retailers and installers, visit energystar.gov/HomeSavings.

3. Choose ENERGY STAR-Certified Products: Anytime you purchase appliances and electronics for your home or office, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label are independently certified to save energy, save money and help protect the environment. You can find the ENERGY STAR on products in more than 65 categories including efficient kitchen and laundry appliances; electronics, such as TVs and computers; and small appliances, such as air cleaners and dehumidifiers. A typical house equipped with ENERGY STAR certified products can save about $6,500 on energy bills over the life of the products. Visit energystar.gov/ProductFinder to find your next energy saving product and energystar.gov/RebateFinder  for available rebates from your local utility. 

For more ways to save energy, money and help protect the environment visit energystar.gov/EarthDay.

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