Saving energy doesn’t get any easier than this: Lower your energy bill by cleaning your clothes dryer’s lint trap before every load to improve air circulation, therefore cutting down on energy-wasting drying time. $ 
45 Ways to Green the Not-So-New House
There’s a reason so many builders are leaning green these days. After all, who doesn’t want a home that’s healthier, keeps energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in check, and doesn’t squander water and other natural resources? But you don’t have to build from scratch to turn your not-so-new house into a dwelling that’s eco-friendly and more economical to run.
As seen in This Old House magazine
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There’s a reason so many builders are leaning green these days. After all, who doesn’t want a home that’s healthier, keeps energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in check, and doesn’t squander water and other natural resources? But you don’t have to build from scratch to turn your not-so-new house into a dwelling that’s eco-friendly and more economical to run.
Whether you own or rent, the following 45 simple ideas can help you save money (and the planet) today.
KEY
UPFRONT COST: $ Low or none | $$ Moderate ($50–$500) | $$$ High ($500 plus)
RELATIVE BENEFITS: 
Modest | Moderate | High
Tips
1
Lint hint
2
Power to the people
Reduce your carbon footprint (and maybe even your waistline) by using human-powered appliances and equipment. Think reel mowers, good old-fashioned manual can openers, carpet sweepers, whisks and wooden spoons instead of electric mixers. $
3
Good day, sunshine
On cold sunny days, open window coverings to let the sun warm your home. On hot days, close window coverings on the south and west sides to keep your home cooler. $
4
Washing day
Save $30 to $40 per year in water heating costs by washing and rinsing clothes in cold water. You can also save more than 3,400 gallons of water per year, according to Energy Star, by washing full loads instead of partial loads. $
5
Fridge shui
Refrigerators blasted by the sun’s rays or subjected to heat from an adjacent oven or heating vent have to work harder to chill your food. If possible, relocate the fridge to a cooler spot, or close window coverings to keep the sun off. $
6
Rock-a-bye computer
Enabling your computer and monitor’s power management features so they go into sleep mode when idle can save from $25 to $75 each year in energy costs, according to Energy Star. Also, turn off computers and peripherals at night. $
7
Wrap it up
In the winter, room air conditioners installed in windows can be a source of cold drafts. Remove window units during cold months or insulate them with tight-fitting A/C covers, available from most local home-improvement stores. $
8
Battery recycling
Recycle your old cell phones and used portable rechargeable batteries from cordless power tools, laptop computers, digital cameras, and other devices. Find a drop-off site. $
9
Run the numbers
Use the U.S. EPA’s online emissions calculator to find out how many greenhouse gas emissions your household is responsible for. Spend 10 minutes entering your data, and you’ll get a rough estimate of your total CO2 emissions, plus action steps to go on a carbon diet. $
10
Think globally, buy locally
Choosing a product that’s harvested or made locally reduces transportation energy use and helps sustain your community’s economy. $
11
Nix the night lights
Install motion sensors, photocell controls or timers so outdoor lights are only on when needed. Reduce light pollution and keep the night sky darker by using light fixtures that direct light downward instead of toward the sky. $
12
Dim that bulb!
If you have incandescent light fixtures where you can’t or don’t want to use compact fluorescent bulbs, install dimmer switches. Dimming shaves a bit off an incandescent bulb’s energy use and makes the bulb last longer (Note: Most compact fluorescent bulbs can’t be used with dimmer switches). $
13
Hung out to dry
Many newer clothes dryers have moisture sensors that shut off the heat when they detect that the clothes are dry. If your dryer lacks this feature, try not to overdry your clothes. Operating the dryer for an extra 15 minutes per load can cost as much as $34 per year, according to Energy Star. $
14
Wipe your paws
Worried about toxins in the home? The Washington Toxics Coalition reports that using entryway mats can reduce the amount of pesticide residue on carpets by 25% and the amount of dust on carpets by 33%. And homes where shoes are removed at the door, according to the WTC, have 10 times less dust than homes where shoes are worn. $
15
Paint your home green
The air in our homes can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. One of the major culprits? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released from paint, particleboard, and other home-improvement products. Most major paint manufacturers now make low-VOC paints, and some offer zero-VOC paints. $ 
16