With Earth Day around the corner on April 22nd, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can make our homes more “green.” 

We’ve all come a long way since Earth Day started back in 1970, whether it’s being more diligent to recycle, seeking out more eco-friendly products, and even adding solar panels to the roofs of our homes. 

But not everyone is a good candidate for solar panels and I have great news for you: even small changes in the home can have an impact on energy use, which not only helps your home “go green,” but also saves on utilities bills too! 

Here are some easy DIY fixes that you can do today or over a weekend to make your home more energy efficient.

Get A Programmable Thermostat. If you don’t have one already then this is a must-do. It allows you to schedule your home’s temperature automatically depending on your daily routine – increase when getting up, decreasing when you’re at work, increasing when you come home, and decreasing when you head to bed. You’ll save money heating and cooling your home at the right times for you and your family. While there are pricier units with high-tech features such as motion sensors, there are many options to fit most budgets.

Use A Smart Power Strip For Your Electronics. It’s time to leave your old power strips in the dust, and look into a “smart” power strip. Who doesn’t see all the glowing lights from electronics when you turn off a room’s light. That’s energy being used for no good reason! The traditional power strips probably have encouraged you to keep many of your electronics plugged in constantly, using power even when you’re not using them as they wait in standby mode. Smart strips will shut down power to products on standby mode and could save you 5 to 10% of your energy consumption.

Install The Correct Lightbulbs For Your Needs. With the use of incandescent bulbs a memory now, buying lightbulbs can be confusing! Before you go to the store (and pay for new bulbs), make sure you understand the differences between LEDs, CFLs, and Halogens so you don’t waste money on the wrong bulb. The technology keeps changing and improving so you might find one you like better now. Since these lightbulbs can last longer and are more expensive, make sure the manufacturer has a good refund or exchange program if something does go wrong. And of course, turn off lights when not in use!

Hang Laundry On Clothes Drying Rack. Get in the habit of hanging some of your clothes on a foldable drying rack rather than in the dryer. Your clothes, your utility bill, and the environment will thank you! This can help you cut down on the number of loads you put in the dryer each week – which translates to less electricity used. If you have a patio, you can put your rack outside for even quicker drying. (Or get a traditional clothesline to go old school.)

Use Curtains To Block The Sun. Everyone loves a sun soaked room, but this can increase home temps by several degrees. Keep blinds and curtains closed in rooms that are not in use and/or in rooms that get direct sun. While you may want to let sunshine through in the winter, closed curtains can also serve as a layer of insultation from the cold, especially if your windows are not energy efficient.

Install Ceiling Fans. We know HGTV decorators hate these and want to take them down, but they can help your rooms stay cooler or warmer.  Fans can be a low-energy way to keep air circulating so you can keep your temperature set higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Just remember to have the fans reversed in the winter so the air is pulled upwards and away from you. The selection of stylish ceiling fans has improved a lot over the years, so you should find some that match your style.

Insulate Exposed Water Pipes. Wrap your hot water pipes in the basement or garage with pipe insulation so they don’t lose heat as the water makes it way to your faucets. It can make a two-to-four-degree difference. Check the pipes coming out of the hot water heater and insulate at least the first three feet.

Replace Worn Or Insufficient Insulation. When is the last time you went into your attic? Double check you have sufficient insulation here, as well as in your crawlspace and any accessible exterior walls. This is a job often completed by a qualified contractor. They will be able to advise you on the type of insulation best for your home.

Double Check Your Vents. Walk around your home and make sure you’re not blocking your air vents with furniture or piles of stuff. You want this air flow to circulate efficiently to avoid having the heating and cooling blowing constantly. Increase HVAC efficiency by having it serviced twice a year and replacing return air filters each quarter.

Close The Damper. If you have a fireplace, warm air may be escaping up the chimney. Close the damper when not in use (just remember to open it when you’re enjoying a fire!).

Don’t forget about energy tax credits that many cities, states and even the federal government offer when you do any energy improvements. You might even get some tax savings when you go green!

I hope these tips save you money and help save the environment too. Let me know if you have any questions!