Energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment sized and installed correctly, with properly sealed ducts, can save homeowners as much as 20 percent on their annual energy costs. Kim Carlson, eco-expert and founder of EarthSmart Consumer Certified, is giving the top five ways home-owners and apartment dwellers can get their dwelling winter-ready without breaking the bank.
· Change Furnace Filters: Before cranking up the heat be sure to replace or clean furnace filters as dirty ones can restrict airflow and increase energy use. It’s very important to replace them once month when in use. Next time you go to change it or go to the hardware sortie, consider purchasing an electronic filter. These filters are much better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen that causes illness and irritation. Another good choice is a genuine HEPA filter (like the one pictured), which can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles. HEPA filters are based on Department of Energy standards. But avoid “HEPA-like” filters, which can be vastly less effective.
· Run Fans in Reverse: Switching your ceiling fan to clockwise pulls warmer air trapped at the top down to the living space. Many ceiling units come with a handy switch that reverses the direction of the blades. This can cut your heating costs as much as 10 percent.
· Install storm doors and windows: Installing storm doors can increase energy efficiency by 45 percent as it seals off drafts and reduces air flow. Equally as important is to install storm windows as they make a huge difference as well. If you have old storm combination windows, further seal up air leaks by installing film between the storm and window to give your home an extra layer of protection against the cold.
Read more from Sommer P. at her blog, Green and Clean Mom, where she writes about how going green is sexy, sassy and fun. Sommer is a social networking and marketing consultant and passionate mother and teacher. Find her on twitter as @greenmom
