{"id":1394,"date":"2017-11-14T13:30:04","date_gmt":"2017-11-14T18:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/providerpower.com\/power-to-help\/?p=1394"},"modified":"2017-12-15T14:48:59","modified_gmt":"2017-12-15T19:48:59","slug":"save-green-going-green-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/providerpower.com\/power-to-help\/save-green-going-green-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Green While ‘Going Green’ This Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire is lovely, until you realize all that heat is escaping out of nooks and crannies in your home. Winter is surely on its way and the time to beat high energy costs is now. Here are a few ways you can save green while <\/span>going green<\/span><\/i> this winter:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Winter<\/p>\n

Tip #1: Get an energy audit.<\/b><\/h2>\n

The first step in checking your money-saving potential is to hire a professional <\/span>BPI certified<\/span><\/a> energy rater to evaluate your spaces. This person will conduct what’s called an “energy audit” and he or she will test your home for energy losses and safety issues. Having an idea of what\u2019s costing you the most energy (and money) is a great way to stay informed and stay ahead of fees.<\/span>
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Tip #2: Going\u00a0<\/b>Green<\/em>\u00a0for\u00a0<\/i><\/b>Christmas<\/b><\/h2>\n

Did you know: <\/span>Artificial trees are typically made in China<\/span><\/a> from non-biodegradable plastics. And while they can last for years, they ultimately end up in landfills. A \u2018greener\u2019 alternative is a living tree. Real trees are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. Once the holiday season is over, you can find a recycling program near you by visiting <\/span>Earth 911<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip #3: Reverse your ceiling fan for the winter<\/b><\/h2>\n

Switching the direction the fans spin is an easy\u2014and free\u2014way to keep warm air circulating throughout the room rather than pooling near the ceiling. During the summer, ceiling fans that spin counter-clockwise are perfect for pushing air down, cooling off you and the space. During the winter, switch the direction the fan is spinning so it pulls the air up. Tip: Make sure the blades will spin clockwise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip #4: Have a water efficient holiday<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Winter<\/p>\n

Running your tap continuously while preparing food or washing dishes wastes water and can use more than two gallons of water every minute your tap is running. Find ways to reduce your water and energy use, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n