29 Ways to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient

Are you interested in making your home more energy-efficient — and saving money? Discover whether there are some big (or small) energy-saving opportunities that you're missing

• Energy Auditor: Get an energy audit from your utility company.
• Light Bulbs: Swap out incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent or LED options.
• Sun/Window Treatments: Use the light and heat from the sun to selectively warm your house by opening your blinds or curtains.
• Power Strips: Flip the switch on power strips when you’re done using electronics.
• Weather-Stripping on Windows: If windows aren’t airtight, you can weather-strip them to protect against drafts.
• Water Heater: Replace older water heaters, and keep your water set at a reasonable temperature (not too hot!).
• Rain Cistern: Collect rainwater for watering flowers or grass outside your house.
• Compost Container: Start composting for a natural (free) garden fertilizer and to reduce waste.
• Showerhead: Swap out your showerhead for a low-flow version.
• Thermostat: A smarter thermostat can save you energy by adjusting through the day.
• Attic Insulation: Air-sealing or insulating your attic will keep your house warmer (or cooler).
• Attic Bathroom with Water Under Sink Turned Off: Turn off water in out-of-the-way bathrooms to save water.
• Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans might be a workable alternative to air conditioning.
• Clothes Washer: Use cold or warm water to wash clothes.
• Dishwasher: Only run full loads of dishes and clothes.
• Solar Screens on Windows: Add solar screens to keep your house from overheating in the summer.
• Solar Panels: Solar panels can offset your energy usage.
• Light-Colored Roof: A lighter-colored roof will reflect the sun.
• Reclaimed Wood Floors : Reclaimed wood floors look great and don’t require felling new trees.
• Storm Doors: Combat leaking warm or cool air outside with storm doors.
• Refrigerator: Upgrade your appliances to energy-efficient models.
• Laptop Computer: Use a laptop instead of a desktop.
• Trees: Plant trees for shade.
• Roof Ridge Vents: Roof ridge vents let heat escape from your attic.
• Wind Turbine: Offset energy costs with a wind turbine.
• Concrete Counter: Concrete is cheap, looks great, and is a green countertop upgrade.
• Low-Flow Toilet: Save gallons of water every time you flush with a low-flow toilet.
• Xeriscaped Front Lawn: Xeriscaped lawns look great and don’t take as much water to maintain.
• Manual Push Mower: A green alternative to a riding or motorized push mower is a manual push mower.