Tips for Living Green

1. Use “low-flow” faucets, showerheads and toilets—they perform just as well and cuts back on water expenses.
2. Centrally locate your furnace and water heater.
3. Install ceiling fans in all main rooms and bedrooms.
4. Use low, or no-V.O.C. paints.
5. Reduce the amount of carpet in your house—carpets traps dust and allergens.
6. Change your HVAC filter regularly.
7. Make sure your doors are well sealed.
8. Choose native plants for landscaping.
9. Install automatic lights.
10. Avoid using utilities during the peak heat of day.
11. Replace 100-watt traditional light bulbs with 32-watt CFL’s to save an average of $30 during the lifespan of the bulb.
12. Don’t open the oven while cooking.
13. Install a rainwater harvesting system.
14. Always match the size of the burner with the size of the pan.
15. Turn off the oven during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
16. Only run full loads in the dishwasher.
17. Use light colors for your roofing to reflect heat.
18. Clean your light fixtures to increase lighting efficiency by 20%.
19. Switch fan rotation in summer and winter.
20. Drain your water heater.
21. Use dimmer switches.
22. Install double-pane windows.
23. Install a solar photovoltaic power system (solar panels) on your home.