Every year, the beginning of a new calendar prompts millions of people around the world to make New Year’s resolutions.

Most of these involve self-improvement (such as exercising more, eating healthier, losing weight, etc.)

But this year, we’re encouraging you to do something more – something bigger. Make a commitment to go green in your home in 2014. Together, we can make sure the earth and its resources are still around for our children.

Here are a few areas in your home you can make greener.

Heating & Cooling

We’re not listing this one first simply because we are a heating and air conditioning company (although we are). The real reason is that almost 50% of your utility use goes toward heating and cooling your home. So if you are looking for ways to be greener, this is the best place to start.

Here are some tips for greener heating and air conditioning:

• Use a programmable thermostat – Setting your thermostat back while you are gone and asleep can save you up to $180 a year.
• Change your air filter – Dirty air filters restrict airflow, causing your air conditioner and heater to work harder and be less efficient.
• Plug air leaks in your home – Seal the exterior of your home. This will keep your air conditioned and heated air inside and reduce inefficiency from air loss.
• Get your ducts sealed – ENERGY STAR estimates that up to 20% of the air that passes through your ducts can be lost.

Plumbing

Another large area of energy waste for many homes is their plumbing system. This includes water heating, washing machines and dishwashers.

Here are our green water-use tips:

• Upgrade to a tankless water heater – These water heaters are much more efficient than standard tank water heaters.
• Run only full loads – Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load.
• Cut your shower time – Cutting your shower time by just one minute a day can save up to 150 gallons of water per month.
• Stop buying bottled water – Bottled water’s environmental harm has been well-documented. Stop purchasing it and rely on your tap instead.

Electrical

Most of the rest of your utility use could be filed under this category, with home lighting being the biggest energy user here.

Reduce your electrical energy use and go green by:

• Installing LED lights – Lighting accounts for 12% of your energy use. LED bulbs use a fraction of the energy incandescent lights do and can last up to 25 times longer (which also means less waste in our landfills.)
• Unplugging energy vampires – Some electrical appliances like TV’s, DVD players and chargers pull energy even when they’re not being used. Pull their plugs to reduce your energy use.
• Upgrading appliances – When it’s time, upgrade your appliances for more energy efficient models.

This New Year don’t just make empty promises to yourself, vow to make the earth a better place. Resolve to make your home greener in 2014.

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