While
you may equate "green" with the warmer weather, the winter season is
perhaps the ideal time to take some green initiatives in and around the
house.
In many
households, the bulk of energy is consumed during the cold-weather
months. That's because heat is often running all day long to keep the
home comfortable, heavier clothes are worn, which take longer to wash
and dry, less time is spent cooking outdoors and more time is geared
around firing up the kitchen stove.
Making
some changes -- in a green way -- can be beneficial, especially in
terms of monetary savings. Here are a few steps to take.
1.
Douse drafts: Drafts can drive up energy usage. Caulk around windows
and doors, or consider replacing drafty windows all together if it's in
the budget. There are many energy-efficient options available. Another
way to stop drafts is with a "draft snake." It's simply any piece of
fabric (even a rolled up towel) that's placed at the bottom of doors to
prevent drafts. You can use scraps of fabric, sew them in a tube shape
and fill with sand or kitty litter. Kids can customize theirs with eyes
and tongues from craft store supplies.
2.
Replace furnace filters: Clogged furnace filters compromise the flow of
air through the system and can cause the unit to work harder. That
equates to more energy use. Replace filters at least once a month. An
even greener option is electostatic filters. They trap around 88
percent of debris, and are much better at controlling the bacteria,
mold, viruses and pollen that cause illness and irritation. They will
be more costly than standard filters, however.
3.
Turn down the water heater thermostat: Many thermostats are set to heat
the water to 140 F. That level of warmth is often not needed. Turning
down the thermostat to 120 F can save considerable energy ... and money.
4.
Watch the thermostat: Statistics show that for every degree you lower
the thermostat during heating season, you'll save between 1 and 3
percent of your heating bill. Use a programmable thermostat to
automatically keep the heat at the desired temperature, whether you're
home or not.
5. Cozy up
to save: Keep the thermostat a little lower and dress warmer. A sweater
worn around the house can save you money. Also, don't forget to don
slippers or warm socks. A lot of heat is lost through the feet and head.
6. Beef up insulation: Add more insulation to the home and insulate pipes for added energy savings.
7.
Switch ceiling fan direction: Enabling ceiling fan blades to spin
clockwise will draw warm air trapped near the ceiling down to the
living area. This can improve comfort and save money on heating.
8.
Use an eco-friendly ice melter: Ice melters typically destroy
surrounding vegetation where they are applied and can be harmful to
wildlife. Seek out a green product that will be safer for the environment.
