45 Ways to Green the Not-So-New House

KEY

UPFRONT COST:

Low or none

Moderate ($50-$500)

High ($500-plus)

RELATIVE BENEFITS:

Modest benefits

Moderate benefits

High benefits

Saving energy doesn’t get any easier than this: Lower your energy bill by cleaning your clothes dryer’s lint trap before every load to improve air circulation, therefore cutting down on energy-wasting drying time.

2. Power to the people
Reduce your carbon footprint (and maybe even your waistline) by using human-powered appliances and equipment. Think reel mowers, good old-fashioned manual can openers, carpet sweepers, whisks and wooden spoons instead of electric mixers.

3. Good day sunshine
On cold sunny days, open window coverings to let the sun warm your home. On hot days, close window coverings on the south and west sides to keep your home cooler.

4. Washing day
Save $30 to $40 per year in water heating costs by washing and rinsing clothes in cold water. You can also save more than 3,400 gallons of water per year, according to Energy Star, by washing full loads instead of partial loads.

5. Shade your fridge
Refrigerators blasted by the sun’s rays or subjected to heat from an adjacent oven or heating vent have to work harder to chill your food. If possible, relocate the fridge to a cooler spot, or close window coverings to keep the sun off.

6. Rock-a-bye computer
Enabling your computer and monitor’s power management features so they go into sleep mode when idle can save from $25 to $75 each year in energy costs, according to Energy Star. Also, turn off computers and peripherals at night.

7. Wrap it up
In the winter, room air conditioners installed in windows can be a source of cold drafts. Remove
window units during cold months or insulate them with tight-fitting A/C covers, available from most local home-improvement stores.

8. Battery recycling
Recycle your old cell phones and used portable rechargeable batteries from cordless power tools, laptop computers, digital cameras and other devices. Find a drop-off site.

9. Run the numbers
Use the U.S. EPA’s online emissions calculator to find out how many greenhouse gas emissions your household is responsible for. Spend 10 minutes entering your data, and you’ll get a rough estimate of your total CO2 emissions, plus action steps to go on a carbon diet.

10. Think globally, buy locally
Choosing a product that’s harvested or made locally reduces transportation energy use and helps sustain your community’s economy.

11. Nix the night lights
Install motion sensors, photocell controls or timers so outdoor lights are only on when needed. Reduce light pollution and keep the night sky darker by using light fixtures that direct light...