Want to make some cost-saving environmental improvements for your home? Here
are 10 easy, high-impact ways to make a difference. These are just a few of
the steps you can take toward creating a "Smart Choice" home right now – one
that will reward your efforts with savings and comfort for years to come.
1. Don't Wait to Insulate
Upgrading your insulation to a higher
R-value can lower energy costs dramatically. Start with insulating the attic
and unheated crawl spaces. Sealing ducts, caulking, and weatherstripping
reduce energy loss even more.
2. Lower the Flow
Your old shower head probably delivers a lot
more water than you really need. Reduce that to 2.5 gallons a minute or less
with today's standard shower head – it can make a difference in your water
bill. For even greater savings, replace your old toilets with today's standard
low flush models that use 1.6 gallons or less per flush.
3. Reduce the Runoff
Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems
can lower your water bills by delivering water directly where you need it. By
reducing or eliminating runoff, you also reduce the burden of fertilizers and
pesticides on our lakes, streams, and oceans and still have a gorgeous garden
or lawn.
4. Keep Your Cool
Ceiling fans can make you feel cooler while
reducing air conditioning costs by as much as 40% in summer. In winter, they
can save up to 10% in heating costs by circulating warm air from the ceiling
to the floor where you can enjoy it. Learn more about
reducing your energy bills.
5. Try Branching Out
For an all-around environmental boost,
plant a tree. When properly sited, trees and other landscaping can save up to
30% in home cooling and heating costs. They also help cool your community and
make your Smart Choice home even more enjoyable.
6. Look for the Energy Star Label
Replace your old, inefficient
appliances with Energy Star qualified appliances and save energy and money.
7. Something Bugging You?
Stay in control by starting with
nature's own methods to beat the bugs. Attract birds with birdhouses, feeders,
and natural backyard wildlife habitats to help reduce pests. Bug lights,
screening, citronella candles, and insecticidal soaps are other less-toxic
alternatives.
8. Clear the Air
Tune up your systems to make your family more
comfortable while you save on heating and cooling costs. Upgrading and
properly maintaining your home air filters is easy and helps improve indoor
air quality. Vented range hoods and room exhaust fans also help remove smoke,
moisture, airborne bacteria, and other indoor air pollutants.
9. Get the Lead Out
In the U.S. and Canada, over 58 million
homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paints. To reduce lead hazards in
your home and protect your family during any home renovation, ask our Paint
Department for the free information sheet "Reducing Lead Hazards When
Remodeling Your Home."
10. Make Your Own Mulch
Composting is the smart way to dispose
of leaves, yard clippings, selected food scraps, and other organic wastes.
Instead of burdening landfills, you'll produce rich nutrients to fertilize
your garden the natural way. And it's free. Make it a habit to recycle your
glass, cans, cardboard, and newspapers, too.
Learn more about what you can do to
reduce your energy bills.
Learn how you can make other informed environmental choices through
our consumer education programs.
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