| With heat and humidity and rising energy costs, your | | | | dimmer switches that set a mood and reduce costs. |
| utility bills could be even higher this year. Making your | | | | 6. Install digital timers, which work like a regular switch |
| home "green" could leave more green in your pocket. | | | | when you turn them on but then shut power off within |
| What exactly is a green home? A green home is | | | | a set range of timed intervals, from minutes to hours, |
| good for you and good for the environment. It uses | | | | depending on the need. |
| less water and energy than the average home, | | | | 7. Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into |
| recycles more waste and avoids the use of lawn and | | | | power strips and turn power strips off when |
| garden chemicals. It helps keep more dollars in your | | | | equipment is not in use. |
| pocket. | | | | 8. If your air conditioner doesn't have one, use a |
| According to the Leviton Institute, there are many | | | | programmable thermostat to adjust the setting |
| ways you can make your home green. A good place | | | | warmer at night or when no one is home. |
| to start thinking green is with electrical use. | | | | 9. Avoid locating lamps and TVs near your AC |
| Here are 12 simple steps you can take to make your | | | | thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause |
| home more energy smart: | | | | the unit to run longer. |
| 1. Make sure your HVAC system is up to date and in | | | | 10. Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to |
| top operating condition. Run it on a schedule to | | | | reflect heat and close those on your home's south and |
| maximize energy savings. | | | | west sides during the day. |
| 2. Replace frequently used incandescent bulbs with | | | | 11. Plant trees. Just three trees properly placed around |
| compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Many CFL's aren't | | | | your house can save you between $100 and $250 |
| dimmable, so be sure you know which type you have | | | | annually in cooling and heating costs. |
| purchased before using it with a dimmer, or simply use | | | | 12. Most importantly, turn lights off when leaving a |
| it with a wall switch. | | | | room. The easiest way to conserve energy is simply |
| 3. Use Energy Star-qualified appliances and devices. | | | | to ask everyone to switch off the lights when they're |
| 4. Install motion sensors for outdoor floodlights and | | | | not using them. |
| occupancy sensors for indoor lights in hallways, | | | | Use compact fluorescent bulbs, dimmers and |
| closets, garages, etc. | | | | occupancy sensors to reduce energy consumption. |
| 5. Replace traditional light switches with modern | | | | |