One of the biggest sources of our carbon emissions is the energy we use in our homes and businesses.  There are many ways, both big and small, that you can reduce the amount of emissions you produce while you also reduce your maintenance costs.  

Here are a few -- 

Home Energy Audit

Get a Home Energy Audit and improve sealing and insulation of walls, roof, doors, and windows.  You may qualify for the Comfort Partners program, which provides direct installation of cost-effective energy efficiency measures.

Home Energy Analysis

Don't have the time for an in-depth audit but want to find out about your energy use right now?  You can do an online Home Energy Analysis with the New Jersey Clean Energy Program. 

Choose a Clean Energy Source

 
Did you know that you can choose to have your energy provided by renewable sources?  Just click here and choose your clean energy provider. It's that simple!  And it will only add about $7-$15 a month to your energy bill. Look at a movie about the effort to get Maplewood to switch to clean energy.

Lighting Options

 
Here's a simple one -- Turn the lights off when you’re not using them. Don't leave the TV and computer on when you're not using them.

Use CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs)

 
An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.  Want to learn more?  Check out the Energy Star site.

Take care in disposing of CFLs.  You can take them to the Maplewood Department of Public Works at 359 Boyden Avenue or you can take them to any Home Depot.  For more information about CFLs, click here.  The New York Times has a great article comparing and contrasting different CFLs.

Get a programmable thermostat

Install and use a programmable thermostat, one of the easiest ways you can save energy and money.   You can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings

Get Energy Star Appliances

Replace that old refrigerator, air conditioner, washing machine, or dishwasher with Energy Star models.  They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.

Want to see some energy being produced right here in Maplewood?  

See how much solar energy is being generated at Maplewood's new LEED certified Police and Court Building.  

Find some great energy saving tips from the U.S. Department of Energy.