Reducing A Home’s Environmental Footprint (NAPSA)—For many, creating a “green” homestarts with taking a close look at the impact a home has and waysto reduceit. Fortunately, there are a number of heating and cooling tips and tricks that will help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases a homegenerates. Some suggestions to make a home more environmentally friendly include: Use of a humidifier during colder months not only adds moisture to your home, but it can actually makeit feel warmer. In turn, you'll be more apt to lower your thermostat—saving money and consumingless energy. Ceiling fans can help delay or reduce the need for air conditioning. Plant more trees on your property. By doing so, the shade they give off will make your home feel cooler in the warmer months. In addition to climate control, trees also improve air quality. Make sure your home is properly insulated—drafty windows and doors wasteenergy. Look at your current energy bills to identify inefficiencies. Or use an energy-savings calculator to help you decide if your current system should be replaced. Have your heating, ventila- tion and air-conditioning (HVAC) system serviced regularly—by a certified technician. For example, North American Technician Excellence (NATE)}-certified technicians have proven their knowledge in the HVACR industry by passing specialized certification tests. That training prepares them to ensure proper system selection, installation and maintenance—all of Becauseof technological innovations, installing a new HVACsystem may help to reduce a home’s environmental impact. which can increase a system’s efficiency and make a home more environmentally friendly. In addition to increased energy efficiency, a new home comfort system can also makeless of an environmental impact. Install a programmable ther- mostat to keep temperatures reg- ulated all year long. When installing new equip- ment, look for the ENERGY STAR label. High-efficiency systems can help to reduce your impact on the environment, plus you may also be eligible for a federal tax credit. Check with a NATE contractor for more information. Said Rex Boynton, president, NATE, “A certified HVAC technician, like those from NATE, will be able to point homeowners in the right direction to maximize efficiency, minimize their environmental impact and, ultimately, save money on heating and cooling bills.” To learn moreor to find a technician, visit hvacradvice.com.
