AIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions): What Individuals Can Do
 | What You Do Makes A Difference Calling all Seniors...Save Money, Save Energy, and Protect the Planet with Home Weatherization! Arlington County is sponsoring a weatherization pilot program for Arlington County seniors. This free service is available to Arlington County seniors age 60 and older that meet specific income and housing guidelines. This service makes homes more comfortable and affordable by reducing energy costs by up to 20-30% through proper sealing and insulating. Learn more about this important program here. |
 | Pledge to Change a Light to save energy and reduce your carbon emissions at home! |
AROUND THE HOME
There are many things that you can do around your home to save energy and reduce emissions. The cost of using appliances and heating and cooling equipment averages more than $1,200 per year. You can sharply reduce your energy bill by using high-efficiency appliances and space conditioning equipment. While these may be more expensive to buy than comparable models with lower or average efficiency, your reduced energy bills will put that money back into your pocket long before the product wears out. You can get tax credits for some improvements that you make as well!
Do you live in a Condo or Apartment? Check out the AIRE web page for Condo and Apartment residents!!
- Energy Audits - An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of your home's heating and cooling equipment and the "envelope" of your home, or how well it is sealed.
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Heating/Cooling Systems - The heating and cooling system in your home is most likely uses the most energy of anything in your home. Find out about how to choose a new heating/cooling equipment and how to maintain it. - Insulation - Many homes in Arlington do not have adequate insulation. Find out how your insulation measures up and how to increase the insulation.
- Appliances - Remember to look for the Energy Star label when you are replacing appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, heat pumps, etc.
- Lighting - Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs can save you a lot of energy! Find out more about lighting.
- Solar Energy - There are two primary solar energy technologies available today for homes: photovoltaic systems, which produce electricity, and solar thermal systems, which produce hot water. Find out more about these options and their application to your home.
- Buy Green Power - You can choose to buy power from wind, solar or other green sources. Find out more!
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Recycling helps save energy as making new products from recycled materials uses 50-90% less energy than using raw materials.
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In Your Car - Home Renovations
See What Other Local Families Are Doing!
Read how many Arlingtonians are doing their part to save energy and reduce emissions. Learn about families going solar...downsizing to one car...or adding square footage while cutting energy costs! Read more>>>
