Homeowners at Grande Villas may have the impression they don’t have as much control over making their condo energy-efficient as they might with a single-family home. But there are actually a lot of simple “green” choices that can help you lower utility costs and make your North Carolina beach condo more environmentally friendly.

1. See the light.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Although the per unit cost is higher, compact fluorescent light bulbs last approximately ten times longer and consume far less energy. Over its lifetime, a compact fluorescent bulb can save around $30-$40 in electricity costs.

2. Be a star.
Select ENERGY STAR rated appliances. Refrigerators, the biggest energy-consumers of all major household appliances, use a minimum of 20% less energy when ENERGY STAR approved. Clothes washers with ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and less than half the amount of water.

3. Set your dial.
Keep in mind that even minor variances in thermostat settings can make a significant impact on energy use. Adjusting your condo’s temperature just two degrees cooler in the winter and two degrees warmer in the summer can add up to major savings. A programmable thermostat enables you to specify the times when the air conditioning or heat turns on and off, which is an important concern if you leave your condo unoccupied for long periods.

4. Fix the phantoms.
Many electronic devices such as computers, televisions and stereo equipment continue to draw power even while switched off. These “phantom loads” can account for as much as 75% of the total electricity these electronics use. You can save energy by simply unplugging devices when not in use, but it’s more convenient to use “smart” power strips that detect inactive devices and automatically shut off the electricity drain until it’s needed.

5. Use water smarter.
Besides home heating and cooling, water heating is the next largest category of energy use in the typical home. Using an ENERGY STAR water heater and keeping it set to 120 degrees can create significant energy savings. Conserving water itself is also important for the environment, and installing smart showerheads, running only full loads in the clothes washer and dishwasher, and switching to low-flush or dual-flush toilets can all contribute to making a difference in the volume of water used in your condo.

For more tips and advice on keeping your condo green, visit the Alliance to Save Energy or the ENERGY STAR website. You’re also encouraged to check with the Grande Villas Homeowners Services Team for their advice and assistance.