1. Make energy efficiency a household policy.  Homeowners can save money simply by changing their energy use habits.  Turn off lights in empty rooms, unplug unused chargers, and adjust the thermostat for energy savings. A maintenance routine that includes weather stripping and insulation inspection also improves residential savings.  To maximize the impact of energy efficient habits, homeowners can create a green infrastructure in their homes.
2. Reduce overall electrical waste by optimizing the home’s electrical currents.  All electrical systems, including those that run in homes, run on currents that are measured in Amps.  When the current is transferred throughout the home, roughly 15% is wasted due to inefficient transfer.  Installing a power factor correction (PFC) unit eliminates much of this waste.  The PFC unit attaches to the breaker box and gives homeowners savings year-round. 
3. Install energy-efficient appliances.  Although energy-efficient appliances often carry a hefty price tag, they generally pay for themselves several times over.  Over the life of each appliance, a homeowner will enjoy significant energy savings.  Which appliances grant the greatest savings? Washers, dryers, and refrigerators certainly reduce costs, but hot water heaters are the unsung heroes among energy-efficient appliances.  Hot water heaters use about 25% of residential electricity, but this can be reduced through the installation of a device like the Air Tap.  Regardless of a hot water heater’s age, the appliance can be retrofitted to reduce energy consumption by up to 70%. 
4. Replace standard bulbs with energy-efficient ones.  Whether homeowners prefer LED or compact fluorescent bulbs, they can find an energy-efficient option for just about any home application.  Traditional lighting makes up about 60% of the average electric bill.  Meanwhile, only approximately 5% of that electricity actually powers the light bulb.  The rest of the electricity is released as heat.  Energy-efficient lighting use up to 80% less electricity, because they waste less.
5. Safeguard against lightning and other electrical damage. While electricity enables us in countless ways, it can also be extraordinarily destructive.  Downed power lines, lightning strikes, or regular electrical maintenance can cause power surges that seriously damage electrical equipment.  Items like televisions and computers are particularly susceptible because their circuitry is more delicate.  Installed on the electrical panel, a surge protector such as the V-Blox House Surge Protection Unit protects the entire home from power surges.   

The best approach to saving energy incorporates multiple strategies.  A comprehensive approach that includes energy-saving habits, techniques, and equipment will make the greatest difference for budget-conscious homeowners.

Home Improvement Tax Credits

Homeowners who make environmentally friendly improvements to existing homes may be eligible for tax credits up to $1,500.  Improvements may include installation of energy-efficient lighting, windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating/cooling (HVAC) equipment. Guidelines for the credit include the following:

• The tax credit will equal 30% of the cost, up to $1,500.
• To qualify, improvements must be made between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
• The home must be the taxpayer’s primary residence.  New construction homes and rental properties are ineligible.

Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credits

Consumers who install renewable energy sources for their homes are also eligible for tax credits.  The credit will equal 30% of the purchase price, and the 2009 Act eliminated the cap on renewable energy tax credits.

• Eligible improvements include installation of solar energy systems, such as solar water heating and electric systems.
• Geothermal heat pumps, microturbine systems, residential fuel cells, and small wind systems also qualify.
• Systems must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Automobile Tax Credits

Both individuals and businesses who purchase new hybrid cars may qualify for a tax credit.  The new vehicle must meet emissions standards and use less gasoline than other vehicles in the same weight class.  Other provisions of this tax credit include the following:

• Vehicles must be purchased by December 31, 2010.
• The tax credit amount depends on the vehicle’s weight and fuel economy.
• The credit is also tied to the volume of vehicles sold by each manufacturer.  Once a manufacturer has sold 60,000 vehicles, the tax credit for that manufacturer’s vehicles will be phased out over 15 months.
• Vehicles that use fuel cells, alternative fuel, lean-burn technology, or diesel may also be eligible for tax credits.

Ultimately these tax credits encourage consumers to make environmentally sound choices about home maintenance and transportation.  In conjunction with measures like electrical current optimization, energy-conscious habits, and energy-efficient lighting, the current government incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy sources give consumers more reasons than ever to go green.