- Reevaluate existing cooling and heating systems. Many old boiler systems are not efficient and do not make the most of the energy they use.
- Insulate, insulate, insulate. Insulate pipes, walls, ceilings, roofs and even foundations. Use expanding foam products to fill in cracks around outlets, pipes and windows. Look for cracks around floors and walls.
- Provide continuous venting in attic spaces.
- Put in weatherstripping around all doors and windows.
- Place moisture barriers under homes that have raised foundations.
- Replace windows with low E, double pane windows or add storm windows.
- Look for ways to save on water conservation. Use timers, water in early morning and evenings, fix leaky faucets, install tankless water systems, use water runoff from roofs for yards, place water reducers in toilet tanks. Use water filtration systems instead of bottled water.
- Reduce your trips in cars. Schedule several errands in one trip. Walk and use your bicycle.
- Support local food producers. Look for organizations that are providing land restoration and use of gardening. This has a big impact on cutting down in many areas- like transportation and wasteful, non-environmentally friendly farming.
- Replace lighting with energy efficient bulbs, consider appliances with energy star ratings.
