Save some green by going green. The Energy Education Council provides a checklist for those who want to make their home green with no-cost, low-cost, and higher-cost options.
There are many ways to make your home more efficient that do not cost a dime:
Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in cold months and counterclockwise in warmer months.
Open up curtains on sunny days in winter to let the warm sunlight in. At night, make sure to close the curtains. In the summer, keep your curtains closed.
Set your water heater temperature to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
When cooking, match the pot size to the burner size. Also, do not unnecessarily open the door to the oven while cooking or baking. Heat escapes, and the oven will have to reheat.
For laundry, wash clothes in cold water. Hang clothes to dry when you can.
Only start the washing machine or the dishwasher when loads are full.
Turn off electronics and unplug chargers when they are not in use.
Here are some low-cost ways to boost your home’s efficiency that will quickly pay for themselves:
Replace old incandescent lightbulbs with more efficient and longer-lasting LED bulbs.
Install a programmable thermostat to make automatic changes to your home’s temperature.
Replace furnace and air conditioning filters monthly or according to filter recommendations.
Caulk cracks between windows/doors and walls.
Purchase an insulating blanket to use on your hot water heater.
Install motion sensors, dimmers, and timers for indoor and outdoor lighting.
Plant trees to shelter your home from the elements.
Invest in low-flow showerheads to save water.
Fix leaky faucets.
Here are some suggestions that cost more upfront but will pay for themselves over time:
Upgrade an older furnace, HVAC system, water heater, and other large appliances to updated high-efficiency models.
Invest in double-pane windows with low e-coating to reflect thermal radiation.
Upgrade insulation in the attic, exterior walls, basement, and crawl spaces.
Consider renewable energy options such as wind or solar.
For more information on home efficiency, visit EnergyEdCouncil.org.
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