Tips for the Environment

If your furnace is over 15 years old, have it replaced with a new ENERGY STAR^® –rated model.

Set thermostats between 65° and 70° during the winter, and at 58° when away from the house for more than a few hours.

Turn your water heater down to 120°F and make sure you have an energy-efficient model.

Use a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand to save water and energy, and wait until it is full to run it.

Look for the ENERGY STAR^® label on home appliances, electronics and other

Change or clean furnace/air filters once a month and schedule an annual furnace or boiler checkup with a licensed professional.

Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature settings throughout the day.

Replace each regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb.

Always run your washing machine and dryer with a full load.

Wash clothes in cold or warm water instead of the hot water setting.

Install ENERGY STAR^®–qualified windows and save up to 15% on heating.

Look for windows with energy-saving features such as low-e coating, double panes, and vinyl or fiberglass frames.

Close blinds and drapes in the summer to help keep your house cool with less AC.

Plant trees to shade your home.

Let the sunlight in through windows and doors in the winter to help heat your home.

Keep the cold out and the warmth in — seal leaks around doors, windows and pipes with caulk or weather-stripping.

Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and switch plates.

Close air vents and dampers in unused rooms or fireplaces.

Turn off your computer at night.

Recycle your water bottles.

Use a reusable cloth bag when shopping.

Unplug your battery charger when you aren’t using it.

Most appliances in your home use electricity even when they are turned off. Unplug them or turn off the power strip.

Compost when you can. Yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 24% of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream.

Take a walk, ride your bike or carpool instead of driving.

Get your oil changed with the proper oil. A better-running car uses less gas.

Check your tire pressure regularly, as underinflation uses more gas.

Get fuel when it’s cool. If you refuel at midday in August, small amounts of the gas are more likely to escape.

Slow down when you drive. When you drive 60 mph and above your gas mileage drops rapidly.

Don’t top off the tank. It releases gas fumes into the air, which cancels the benefits of the pump’s antipollution devices.

Turn off idling car engines when stopped for 10 seconds or longer.

Reuse. Your junk might be someone’s treasure. Try giving it away instead of tossing it out.