In my last entry I asked the question: Where do we go from here? I hope that, along with that entry and with recent media attention, there has been a lot of light shed on the subject of just how much of an impact our common daily practices have on the environment. So, right...where do we go from here? Well, here are some things you can do that are easy and free or low cost to improve the efficiency of your home.

No Cost:

• In the cooler months of the year open window shades for direct sunlight during the day

• And close drapes at night to keep heat from escaping.

• Lower the temperature in the home during the winter and raise in the summer.

• Lower water heater temperature to 120.

• Clean coils on refrigerator and air conditioning units.

• Circulate air with fans

• Make sure that radiators, registers and baseboards are clean and not blocked.

• Wash clothes in cold water, run with full load and air dry

• Turn off lights, computers, monitors and printers

• Unplug extra fridge

• Run dishwasher with full loads

Low Cost:

• Buy a programmable thermostat

• Mechanicals inspection and maintenance (clean coils, change filters)

• Replace old light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs

• Replace old appliances with Energy Star

• Weather strip/caulk windows and doors

• Get an annual tune-up for the heating system. Change filters monthly.

• Place an insulating blanket around your water heater and place insulating tape on pipes off tank for three feet.

• Aerators on faucets

• Low flow shower head

• Motion sensor on exterior flood light.

Hopefully, you will get some new ideas from reading these items. Maybe you are already doing some of these things and will be inspired to try something new from this list. A lot of the things on this list are easy to do and would make little difference in your lifestyle but would add up to a great impact on the environment.

*Thanks to Jim Conlon of Elysian Energy for this list that was a part of materials distributed at the Energy Audit seminar at the Greenbuilding Institute.