When your neighbors talk about "going green", they usually mean something akin to changing their behavior to save the earth. It's noble, to be sure, but it turns out small changes in our everyday lives can save us a lot of money, giving a whole new meaning to going green. That's why today we're looking at three mobile apps that can help us save money by becoming more energy efficient.
1. Honeywell Total Connect
This past summer, the Energy Information Administration estimated that the average American energy bill for the summer months of June, July, and August would total $395. That's the cheapest it has been in four years, but it's still an awful lot of money. That's where the Honeywell Total Connect app comes in.
Used in tandem with a Honeywell (HON 0.42%) programmable thermostat, the app allows you to control the temperature in your home from anywhere, at any time. It also comes pre-programmed with a schedule designed for energy savings.
2. WattRebate
Many people know that there are tax incentives that come with the purchase of an electric or hybrid automobile, but did you know there are tons of incentives for home energy efficiency as well? New York, for example, has 65 options for tax credits, rebates, or savings for home weatherization alone! One specific program offers up to $5,000 for low-income homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements on their home .
The WattRebate app can help you discover what incentives, rebates, or loans are available in your home state.
3. Light Bulb Finder
You might not think switching to energy efficiency light bulbs is worth the hassle, but according to Home Depot's energy calculator, you can save $129 a year by switching 20 incandescent bulbs out for LED bulbs .
Not only that, but LED bulbs last for an average of 20 years! That means that you are saving energy, buying fewer bulbs, and most importantly, rarely -- if ever -- changing the light bulbs all over your house.
The Light Bulb Finder app will help you find the most energy efficient lights at the best prices, directing you to a local store or an online outlet for purchase.
Can't afford not to!
Wasting energy these days is akin to throwing money away. Energy efficiency is an easy way to keep costs down at home, and with more ways to save than ever before, now is a great time to get the ball rolling. For more information on saving energy and money, check out the Department of Energy's ways to save page here.
