Even small changes — like how frequently you mow your grass — can have a positive impact on our air.
Indoor Tips…
Choose energy efficient appliances. Turn off appliances when not in use. When shopping for new appliances, look for the Energy Star rating at www.energystar.gov.
Properly insulate your home. See, www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo
Replace an inefficient furnace or air conditioner with an energy-efficient heat pump.
Try 78 degrees and ceiling fans in the summer.
Replace filters monthly to increase efficiency.
Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
Turn off electrical equipment when not in use.
Use fluorescent bulbs in high use areas.
Cook with a microwave instead of a stove or oven.
Maintain live potted plants in your home or office.
Consider commuting costs & convenience when choosing where to live. Fannie Mae offers additional equity to buyers who purchase a home near public transit. See “Smart Commute Initiative” at www.efanniemae.com
Yard tips…
Plant trees, shrubs and grasses around your house. The added shade will help lower air conditioning bills and the plants will help absorb CO2.
www.coloradotrees.org/benefits.htm
Don’t burn garbage or building materials outdoors. Burning leaves and brush can be illegal and it produces pollution. Check out www.ncair.org/enf/openburn
Avoid using gas powered garden equipment such as gas-powered lawn mowers. If you must use a gas lawn mower, mow before 10 am or after 7 pm to avoid peak ozone formation hours.
Reduce mowing by landscaping with natural areas.
Mow after 6 pm on air quality action days.
Avoid using chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds(VOC’s) such as spray paint, paint thinners, pesticides, glue solvents, weed killers, etc.
Avoid use of charcoal lighter fluid when barbecuing.
Home Energy Use Calculators
Calculate your use at these two web sites:
- Home Energy Saver
hes.lbl.gov - US Dept of Energy
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/
Healthy Built Homes
See what cutting edge local builders are doing to make home environmentally friendly and save on energy costs too. healthybuilthomes.org/?CFID=29711&CFTOKEN=89950884
Southface
This web site offers tips for an energy conscious way of life.
www.southface.org
