Top 5 Low-to-No-Cost Tips for a Greener Home
Download this Sustainability @ Home Guide to find more resources and events that can help you green your home.
Kitchen
- Make sure your fridge and freezer doors have a tight seal.
- Run the dishwasher in full loads.
- Use your microwave or toaster oven to reheat or cook small portions of food.
- Choose a pot that covers the entire stove burner to minimize heat loss.
- When upgrading appliances, choose ENERGY STAR models.
Living Room
- Swap out incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs.
- Unplug chargers for phones, laptops, and electronics. They still draw energy when not in use.
- Plug electronics into a surge protector – and turn everything off with one switch.
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
- Close doors and air vents in rarely used rooms to save on heating and cooling.
Bathroom
- Buy a shower timer and challenge your family to take short showers instead of baths.
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Install low-flow showerheads and aerators.
- Repair leaks in faucets and toilets immediately.
- Consider installing a new toilet; modern toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush or less.
Utility Closet
- Replace your furnace filters on a regular basis (once a month).
- DOE Energy Savers recommends turning your water heater down to 120°F to save on water heating.
- Only wash and dry full loads of laundry.
- Air-dry clothes on clotheslines or drying racks.
- Install a programmable thermostat to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Garage
- Ride your bike for zero-emissions commuting and good exercise.
- Keep car tires properly inflated and aligned – this saves gas and reduces emissions.
- Be sensible; aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline.
- Keep the air clean by not idling your vehicle – it gets 0 MPG.
- Organize a carpool.
