Efficiency is an important part of being green. Industry spokespersons tell us to “clean refrigerator filters quarterly; change furnace filters monthly."
Now, as winter is approaching, home owners need to check & seal heating ducts and plenums. Furnace and fireplace flues should be checked annually, before the heating season. For efficiency & safety, make sure flues are sealed and working properly.
Also check windows and doors to make sure that they close properly. To assess how much energy your home consumes, and to evaluate the steps that you can take to make it more efficient, get an energy audit from a professional (which usually runs about $250), or tap resources that may be available through your local utility company.
For those replacing items in their homes, from light bulbs to major appliances, more efficient, longer-lasting units are the eco-friendly choice.