Are you interested in making your home more energy-efficient — and saving money? Discover whether there are some big (or small) energy-saving opportunities that you’re missing.
- Energy auditor: Get an energy audit from your utility company.
- Light bulbs: Swap out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED options.
- Sun/window treatments: Use the light and heat from the sun to selectively warm your house by opening your blinds or curtains.
- Power strips: Flip the switch on power strips when you’re done using electronics.
- Weather-stripping on windows: If windows aren’t airtight, you can weather-strip them to protect against drafts.
- Water heater: Replace older water heaters, and keep your water set at a reasonable temperature (not too hot!).
- Rain cistern: Collect rainwater for watering flowers or grass outside your house.
- Compost container: Start composting for a natural (free) garden fertilizer and to reduce waste.
- Showerhead: Swap out your showerhead for a low-flow version.
- Thermostat: A smarter thermostat can save you energy by adjusting through the day.
- Attic insulation: Air-sealing or insulating your attic will keep your house warmer (or cooler).
- Attic bathroom with water under sink turned off: Turn off water in out-of-the-way bathrooms to save water.
- Ceiling fans: Ceiling fans might be a workable alternative to air conditioning.
- Clothes washer: Use cold or warm water to wash clothes.
- Dishwasher: Only run full loads of dishes and clothes.
- Solar screens on windows: Add solar screens to keep your house from overheating in the summer.
- Solar panels: Solar panels can offset your energy usage.
- Light-colored roof: A lighter-colored roof will reflect the sun.
- Reclaimed wood floors: Reclaimed wood floors look great and don’t require felling new trees.
- Storm doors: Combat leaking warm or cool air outside with storm doors.
- Refrigerator: Upgrade your appliances to energy-efficient models.
- Laptop computer: Use a laptop instead of a desktop.
- Trees: Plant trees for shade.
- Roof ridge vents: Roof ridge vents let heat escape from your attic.
- Wind turbine: Offset energy costs with a wind turbine.
- Concrete counter: Concrete is cheap, looks great, and is a green countertop upgrade.
- Low-flow toilet: Save gallons of water every time you flush with a low-flow toilet.
- Xeriscaped front lawn: Xeriscaped lawns look great and don’t take as much water to maintain.
- Manual push mower: A green alternative to a riding or motorized push mower is a manual push mower.
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