http://www.opposingviews.com/questions/what-are-the-best-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient Opposing Views - What Are the Best Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient? http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/take-advantage-of-local-programs Be sure to take advantage of your utility’s energy saving programs and discounts. For example, northern and central California residents can take voluntarily enroll in PG&E’s Smart AC program, http://www.pge-smartac.com. Pacific Gas and Electric Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:16:26 -0500 http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/take-advantage-of-local-programs http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/showering A 5-minute shower can use almost half as much water as a full bath. With a new 2.5 gallon-per-minute (low-flow) shower head, a 5-minute shower will use less than 13 gallons of water, saving you 8-10 gallons of water over a typical bath. A new... Pacific Gas and Electric Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:15:04 -0500 http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/showering http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/washing-drying Water heating accounts for about 90 percent of the energy your machine uses to wash clothes — only 10 percent goes to electricity used by the washer motor. Switching to cold water can save the average household more than $40 annually (with an... Pacific Gas and Electric Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:14:21 -0500 http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/washing-drying http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/electronics Even when turned off, electronic and IT equipment and battery chargers often use a small amount of electricity. This stand-by or “phantom” power load can range from a few watts to as much as 20 or even 40 watts for each piece of equipment. Using... Pacific Gas and Electric Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:12:54 -0500 http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/electronics http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/thermostat When used properly, a programmable thermostat can save up to $180 a year in energy costs. Save with a manual thermostat, too! Every degree the thermostat is set up in hot weather or down in cold weather will help save on the overall energy bill. Pacific Gas and Electric Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:12:26 -0500 http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/thermostat http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/lighting Change out 5 of the most frequently used lights in the home to ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs and save about $70 in energy costs. There is now a full range of CFLs for the home including flood lights, can lights, 3-way lights and dimmable bulbs. Even if... Pacific Gas and Electric Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:11:59 -0500 http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/lighting http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/sealing-and-insulation Sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. ENERGY STAR estimates that a knowledgeable... Pacific Gas and Electric Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:11:21 -0500 http://www.opposingviews.com/arguments/sealing-and-insulation