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