Everyday, you have an opportunity to save money and make a difference in the world’s environment.    All too often we lead our lives in a way that is detrimental to our planet.  Did you know that just leaving a couple of appliances plugged in can cost you hundreds in electricity per year?  Now is the time to become conscious and concerned about how your actions affect your energy bill and our planet.  Please, check out our energy tips and facts or visit our resources page for more information.  If you have a powerful piece of information that you would like to share, submit it here.

Call our Energy Efficient Experts at 401-421-WIND or e-mail us at green@gemplumbing.com.

Did You Know?

• The United States makes up about 5% of the world’s population, but uses about 25% of its energy.
• You can save thousands of dollars by investing in renewable energy.
• Energy typically makes up 30% of a business’s operational cost.
• An ENERGY STAR® study found that restaurant owners could increase profits by up to 30% simply by “going green” in the kitchen.
• Over 1.5 million homes and businesses have invested in solar water heating systems, and surveys show that more than 94% consider the systems a good investment.  
• During a period of 20 years, one solar water heater can avoid more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
• 61% of the world’s population lives in countries where there is less than 1 car for every 20 people.
• India and China currently account for 19% of the world’s energy consumption.  By 2030, they will use about 28% of the world’s energy.  The United States will decrease from 21% now  to 17% by 2030.
• Each year, Americans spend more money to power home audio and DVD products when turned off than when in use.
• The sun’s energy that reaches the earth in 1 second is enough to power the entire state of Massachusetts for 32,655,294 years.
  

Save Energy Now

• You can lose up to 60% of your heated air if your ducts aren’t insulated.  Get a qualified professional to help you insulate and repair ducts.
• For every 3 degrees you lower your systems temperature, you will save about 1% of your heating costs.
• Aggressive driving can lower your highway gas mileage by 33% and your city mileage by 5%.
• Extra weight in your car can decrease gas mileage by 1% to 2% for every 100 pounds.
• Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.15 per gallon for gas.
• ENERGY STAR® appliances often cut the energy bill of that product by 20% to 30%.  Replacing an old washing machine with a new ENERGY STAR® machine may save a household more than $160 per year.
• About 20% of your electricity bill is likely from lighting your home. If you dim the lights to 80% you would save about $8 each month.
  

3 Steps to Going Green

1. Conservation
   • Consume less energy and use your energy in a smart way.
2. Efficiency
   • Upgrade your equipment and improve your building’s envelope.
3. Renewables
   • Produce your own energy and lose the reliance on energy.