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Want to contribute more to cutting back on pollution? You have the power to take your green goals to a higher level.
A home energy audit can allow for a more in-depth analysis of possible conservation methods. A simple walk-through in your home can help you find leaks. If you feel a draft, then most likely you have a leak. Check doors, windows, electrical outlets, baseboards, fireplaces, and window units.
You can conduct your own Personal Home Energy Audit.
Areas where typical improvement would be very beneficial
- Caulk windows, and put weather stripping around door openings
- Check foundation for any cracks
- Make sure no air is lost from the chimney
- Insulate your attic
Add insulation to your attic. This is a simple step that costs a little more, but the return on your money should be less than two years.
Use the ENERGY STAR home advisor.
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- Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it
- Turn lights off when you are not in a room
- During hot summer days keep your window coverings closed to block the suns hot rays, and use white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house
- Use energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers
- Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle
- Turn down the temperature to your water heater to 120 degrees F
- Take short showers, with a low-flow showerhead, instead of baths
- Wash only full loads of clothes when possible and clean your dryer's lint filter after every load
- Turn off your computer when it is not in use; automatic switching to sleep mode or manually turning monitors off is always the better energy-saving strategy
- Unplug appliance and electronics that are not in use; they still draw energy when they are off if they are still plugged in. It might be helpful the plug such items into a power strip, that way you can turn the hole power strip off when the items are not being used. In addition, you can purchase a power meter at a local home improvement store to measure the amount of energy any electrical item is using, whether on or off.
- Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary
- Reduce air conditioning costs by planting shade trees and shrubs around your house, especially on the west side and by your air conditioning unit
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