SMCU Money Matters - Fall 2007 - (Page 14)

By L.G. Mansfield and Cassandra Clark The declining health of the planet is an undeniable fact. While your concern may be significant, chances are you’ve thought, “What can I do? I’m just one person.” Now, new technology and home improvements can help lessen your personal impact on the environment while saving money on energy bills. Here are some tips for making your home a greener, cleaner place to live. Insulation and Air Sealing Insulating and air sealing can reduce heating and cooling costs while making your home healthier and more comfortable. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) recommends insulation and air sealing, combined with a good ventilation system, as the No. 1 way to improve efficiency. Insulation helps reduce heat flow — the natural movement of air from warmer spaces to colder ones — enabling you to retain more heat in the winter and more cool air in the summer. Even if you have a newer home, you’ll save in energy costs by adding more insulation. Air sealing complements insulating efforts by making sure that no air or moisture leaks in or out of the house, wasting energy and potentially causing health problems if mold develops. Look for cracks or openings in door or window frames, electrical and gas line entrances, vents, siding, and foundation, and apply caulking and weather stripping where needed. Don’t forget to properly ventilate your home once you seal it — an airtight home will otherwise capture indoor pollutants and moisture. It’s Easy Being Green How to Create a Home That’s Environmentally Responsible and Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling According to the EERE, heating and cooling demands 56 percent of your home’s energy need. Installing a programmable thermostat is an inexpensive way to improve your current system: you can save about 10 percent a year by turning down the thermostat 10 degrees to 15 degrees for eight hours a day, while you are asleep or at work. Remember to check your air filter once a month, as well. A dirty filter makes your system work harder and wastes energy by slowing down airflow. Sealing your heating and cooling ducts is easy, inexpen- 14 FALL 07

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SMCU Money Matters - Fall 2007 Contents Community Connection Responsible and Beneficial e-Cycling Live a Greener Life! Motley Fool: Hybrid Cars Jean Chatzky: Reduce, Reuse and Simplify Green Investments It’s Easy Being Green

SMCU Money Matters - Fall 2007

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