• Purchase energy saving equipment as the old power guzzling heaters and air conditioners wear out and need replacing.
• Insulate your home for both heating and cooling by installing weather-stripping around doors and windows that may be letting air in or out. Make sure the ceiling insulation is intact to prevent intrusion of heat.
• A programmable thermostat lets you adjust the times you turn on heating and air-conditioning. As a result, you don’t operate the equipment as much when you are sleeping or out of the house.

Cleaning Products

• Use natural household products, without the harmful chemicals, to clean appliances, kitchen and bathroom areas, etc. Vinegar can be used on many items such as mirrors, sinks, and floors. Baking soda can be mixed with water to make a paste to clean refrigerators, counter tops, and stained carpet.
• Use products with the Green Seal certification showing they are environmentally responsible products.
• Never pour chemicals down the drain or throw them in the trash. Dispose of household chemicals and cleaners at household hazardous waste roundups or S.A.F.E. collection centers.

Energy Use

• Look for appliances with the Energy Star® logo on them. The program sets minimum efficiency standards for appliances and building products and identifies and labels those models that are the most energy efficient.
• A significant amount of swimming pool energy is lost by evaporation at the surface level. Look for a transparent cover that will let the pool absorb heat from the sun, allowing the heater to do less work.
• The easiest way to save energy is to fully turn off or unplug electronics when not using them. The average U.S. household uses about 440 kilowatt hours of energy, or $75 per year to power unused chargers and electronics in stand-by mode or off-mode.

For more green-friendly tips and information, visit GreenSantaClarita.com