Green "Cents"

Use your common sense to be “green” in your home and around your property.  You will save money and resources by looking for ways to maintain or retrofit.

For example, use weather stripping and caulk to repair gaps and cracks in door and window frames.  Repair any dripping faucets or replace the fixture when parts are not available.  Keep a clean air filter in air conditioning units to increase air flow and air conditioning unit performance.  Use your ceiling fans year round to circulate the air so the HVAC equipment performs more efficiently; depending on the season, change the direction of the ceiling fan rotation to accommodate air flow.  Add more insulation in the attic to reach minimum of R-38. Using a radiant barrier under the roof deck can help stabilize attic air.  Service the HVAC equipment using a Preventative Maintenance inspection by a qualified HVAC contractor. The costs should be under $150 and will help maintain an efficient system.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFL bulbs wherever possible.  Focus the light only where you are using it.  Install a programmable thermostat; even if you choose to change the temperature setting, the program will control the setting when you may not remember to change it back to a more efficient setting.  Hot water heater insulation and temperature control is an easy way to increase the efficiency of your hot water heater.  An insulation blanket can be found at your local home store; be sure to follow the installation guidelines and do not cover gas vents, pressure relief valves, etc.  Control panels and access panels may be covered over and properly labeled for future reference. 

Another way to increase awareness of conserving natural resources and minimize energy consumption is to make a checklist of any and all items on the property that can be repaired, modified, retrofitted, or maintained and consult with a professional weatherization contractor on installation ideas that would be efficient and beneficial.

COMMON SENSE CAN SAVE YOU GREEN “CENTS!”