For your home green living tips
| The New Mexican
Posted: Monday, April 21, 2008 - 4/17/08
     
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Some easy, not-too-expensive things you can do to cut energy costs in your home:
  • Use insulating curtains or drapes to cover windows in the winter.
  • Hang shades on east, south and west windows in the summer.
  • Install low-flow shower heads and low-flow toilets.
  • Check and replace weather stripping every year around doors and windows.
  • Insulate your water heater with a special blanket available at local hardware stores.
  • Replace incandescent light bulbs with longer lasting, more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.
  • Use ceiling fans to cool your home in summer; reverse the direction and the fan will also circulate warm air in winter.
  • Install sink faucet aerators.
  • Install a programmable thermostat.
  • If you need to paint your home, look for low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, or those with a Green Seal label.

Things that cost more money but will save energy and money in the long run:
  • Install a solar water heater.
  • Buy renewable energy through your energy company.
  • Install a photovoltaic system.
  • Convert an existing diesel car or truck to greasel.
  • Buy a hybrid or a conventional car or truck that gets high mileage.
  • If you have to hire a contractor, look for one experienced at energy-efficient, green building. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Web site, www.usgbc.org, offers suggestions.






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