7 Winter Water Conservation Tips

Although the 'Godzilla' El Nino is predicted for this winter season, we are still in a drought and need to conserve water.

Photo Credit: Notned Photo via Compfight cc

Here are some water conservation tips from saveourwater.com to keep in mind this winter!

• Check for leaks
• Install low-flow showerheads
• Consider investing in a rain barrel to collect rain water to be used for watering plants.
• Keep showers to 5 minutes
• Run the dishwasher and washing machines with full loads
• Fill the sink when hand washing dishes
• Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket

For more tips on conserving water, you can check out saveourwater.com's blog here.

Money Saving Tips from Southern California Gas Company

Along with the previous energy saving post, there are other ways of conserving our resources. They aren’t free, but they can save you money in the long run.

Photo Credit: BoschAppliances via Compfight cc

On the positive side, by switching to energy efficient home appliances, the Southern California Gas Company offers rebates for different types of energy efficient household appliances, such as the ones listed below:

• Water Heaters
• Tankless Water Heaters
• Clothes Washer
• Cold Water Clothes Washer
• Low Flow Showerhead
• Attic or Wall Insulation
• Furnace
• Gravity Wall Furnaces
• Energy Upgrade California® Home Upgrade

Along with these rebates for household appliances, you could also inquire about the complementary energy efficient starter kit.

To find out more about the appliance rebates and the complementary energy efficient starter kit, go to http://www.socalgas.com/for-your-home/rebates/.

Contact Kaplan Construction at 562-495-0483 or via email for caulking and insulation work, heating and furnace replacement, and new window installation.

Note: The rebates list may change over time, so check the Southern California Gas Company website for an updated list.

Free Easy-Energy Saving Tips!

With these tips from the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), you can easily reduce your energy consumption.

Photo Credit: JaimeBedia via Compfight cc

• Switch off an appliance when you are finished using it. For example, turning off your desktop instead of leaving it idle will save energy.
• Unplug seldom used appliances and appliances that don’t require being plugged in all day.
• Take control of temperature. In winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees or less during the daytime, and 55 degrees before going to sleep (or when you're away for the day). During the summer, set thermostats to 78 degrees or more.
• Don’t forget to turn off the lights when leaving a room.
• Use appliances efficiently.

For a detailed description of tips provided by the NRDC, use the following link: http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/genergy.asp

Hello, October!

Today is the first day of October!

Photo Credit: worldofpctures via Compfight cc

It's still feeling like summer time, so most of us in California are still using our A/C units and fans. Neither we nor our electricity bills are getting a break from the heat. Here are some energy conservation tips provided by flexalert.org.

• Adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when you are not home.
• Close your windows and doors when using your A/C unit. Doing so will keep cool air in and prevent your A/C unit from working harder.
• Clean or replace your A/C filter. This will also prevent your A/C unit from working harder than it needs to.
• Power down your computer and enable power management when you are not using it.
• Unplug electronics. Even if the electronic itself is not being used, it is still drawing power if it is plugged in.
• Use heat-producing appliances after 6 PM. This includes, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ovens.
• When using washers, dryers, and dishwashers, make sure they are full loads.
• Turn off unnecessary lighting.

By following these tips, you can easily reduce your energy consumption as well as reduce your electricity bill.

For a complete list of energy saving tips, click here.