YOU CAN MAKE SOME WISE(R) CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO SMART ENERGY, COST SAVINGS AND OTHER RELATED EFFICIENCIES IN OUR HOMES.

With an eye on the future constantly, doing things a little differently and more efficiently are and will very much be a part and reality of future and forms part of the push for improvement and conservation or the environment prevalent in our cultures and society.

There is increasing demand for limited resources and we are left with not only the challenge of coming up with new ideas, to substitute for older, obsolete or less efficient methods, environmental pollution, greenhouse gasses but also unearthing and optimizing alternative sources of energy for example.

Now, this onus and responsibility (no longer a luxury for a select few, but a necessity for all of us), have come into our homes and is starting to touch our pockets. The most recent example being, those smart meters installed to monitor, report and track our household electricity use, even programmable wireless thermostats to help you conserve energy, not using large appliances in peak usage times and making the most of what energy is available to all, to save you real dollars on your utility bill every month. Base-lining, measuring and tracking these is a great start to get a better handle on, understanding of and planning, projection for the future, contingency and emergencies. There are lots of similar methods out there to make our homes BETTER and more efficient (cost/energy perspectives and dynamics).

Even in our homes, we can have a dedicated, deliberate focus and effort, to contribute and fuel’ (pardon the pun!), the push and rationale, advocacy and support, for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, even in, around and surrounding where we live.

We need to make the most of every individual tactic, but also synergize our ideas and strategies into a personal plan for cost and energy savings, in and through our homes and offices. IT CAN BE DONE AND IT CAN MAKE
AND IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. IT HAS TO BE DONE – IT IS IMPERATIVE! NO LONGER A CHOICE OR LUXURY!

Yes, there are the simple things, we have gotten so used to hearing that it is now almost second nature for most or us:

- Low energy bulbs
- Turning lights off when leaving a room
- Unplugging devices when not in use
- Turning the air-conditioning/heat down/up (depending on the situation/season) a couple of degrees, in order to optimize the resources that are available,
- Switching off the computer monitor or printer, for example when the computer is not on.
- Solar lights for garden beautification
- Motion lights that switch on only when there is motion
- Duct-cleaning, regular vacuuming
- Window-seal kits (winter) for interior to keep drafts out in extreme cold and optimize the heat
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Low-flow toilet and shower mechanics to conserve water
- Recycling, composting, green, blue and gray boxes, garden waste/filler, mulch and more in and around the house to minimize the impact on the environment

… and many more.

There are numerous programs and initiatives around the globe and locally, that focuses on making our homes more cost and energy efficient.

The real impetus and incentive, is to reduce energy costs all round, especially for those from low-income households, individuals and groups with limited resources and funds for life essentials at their disposal, even the frail, elderly, ill and/or the disabled. This is done by taking calculated, proven and deliberate steps to increase the energy efficiency of homes ensuring and without compromising health and safety, of those who live and dwell there!