YOUR GREEN HOME- What you can to to make your home green and save money!

There are so many things you can do. Here is a list of suggestions (hints, tips, ideas) of things that can be done in your home to save money and protect the environment. Look for things that are easy ( or ), cheap ( or ) and highly effective. These are marked with a checkbox . If the task is difficult it is marked with a caution sign and if it is expensive() or of relative or uncertain value then it will not be checked . Also we will try to differenciate between personal habits () and those that require upgrades, improvements or repairs to your home (). All these ideas are good, but you can start doing the checked items () right now! They're easy and cheap but save a lot!

In the Kitchen
 Look for ENERGY STAR® products when shopping for appliances. These are much more efficient and will save you money.
  Select the appropriate size of home appliance. Dont buy a big washing machine or powerful microwave unless you need it.
 Air dry dishes instead of using a dishwasher.
 Repair leaky faucets immediately; a leaky faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a short period of time.
   
Laundry Room
 Wash and dry full loads only. Don't over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it.
 Clean the lint filter in the dryer after use. Periodically inspect your dryer vent. This improves air circulation and efficiency.
 Consider drying clothes on clothes lines rather than in an electric or gas dryer.
   
Living and TV rooms
 Use a power strip to turn off appliances that still use electricity when off (TVs, stereos, DVDs, computers, etc.).
 Note that two-thirds of power used by home electronics is consumed while these are 'off' but in standby mode (phantom loads).
 Make sure that heating/cooling air circulation vents are clear and are not blocked by furniture or curtains.
 Use awnings, window screens and covers, and close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during summer months.
 Use CFLs lamps for lighting. They last longer and use much less electricity.
 Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it, like on a counter or desk.
 Use dimmers, motion sensors, or occupancy sensors to automatically turn on / off lights as needed and prevent energy waste.
 Turn your lights off when you leave a room (fluorescent lights should be turned off if you'll be away for more than 15 minutes).
 Install an energy-efficient skylight. It can provide lighting and warmth and reduce heating, cooling, and lighting costs.
 Make sure that doors have proper rubber sealing (weatherstripping) to prevent air drafts. Check for gaps top and bottom.
   
Bedrooms
 Use fans during the summer months. These reduce room temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees by creating a wind chill effect.
  Select and install windows with low U-values and low solar heat gain coefficiency (SHGC) to maximize energy benefits.
 Also when upgrading windows, look for low emissivity (Low-E) glass that lets in light, but reduces heat transfer.
 Check for air leaks and/or cracks around windows and doors, or gaps along baseboard and wall joints
  Turn off your personal computer and monitor when you leave it for more than 30 minutes.
  Consider buying a laptop when you upgrade your computer; they use much less energy and are more flexible and mobile.
   
Bathrooms
 Select a low-flow showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm (gallons per minute) for maximum water efficiency.
 Install high-performance, high efficiency dual flush toilets. These can save up to 20,000 gallons of water per year
 Take short showers instead of baths.
 Turn the water off while brushing teeth or shaving.
   
Garage and Utility Closets
 Clean or replace filters in HVAC and/or furnaces once a month
 Install a programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperature according to your schedule and needs.
 Make sure your heating / cooling equipment receives professional maintenance each year.
 Always buy ENERGY STAR products when replacing your system. For air conditioners, look for high SEER value units.
 Don't forget to check for tax rebates and other cost-saving incentives from utility companies!
 Consider upgrading to natural-gas on-demand or tankless water heaters.
 Insulate your hot water heater and hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
   
Attic
  One of the most important things you can do is make sure your attic has enough insulation to maintain heat / cold air below in house!
  Add more insulation in your attic if needed. This will depend on the climate, type of house / roof, and heating / cooling system.
  Check for and seal air leaks in attic/ceilings around electrical fixtures, wiring holes, plumbing connections and wall joints.
  Insulate heating / cooling ducts in attics or crawlspaces. Air leaks in ducts can be a major problem and cost big money.
  Conduct an energy audit of your home. Use an infrared camera device (thermal imaging) to detect spots with heat leakage.
   
Outside
  Plant trees to shade your home, reducing your cooling costs in the summer months.
 Choose and install appropriate landscaping. Select plants that are proper for a desert environment.
 Manage your sprinkler system carefully. Use automatic or climate sensing satellite system to avoid unnecessary watering.
 Consider installing solar panels on the roof to generate electricity or using thermal panels for a hot water tank.
 Look for WaterSense products; these save water and perform as well or better than similar non-water-conserving products.
 Learn about EPA's GreenScapes program for tips on how to improve your lawn or garden and save water.
   
For more useful resources on Green living, conserving resources, saving money and improving your home, visit our LINKS page.