Start things off right in your new home by making a few simple changes to make it more eco-friendly. By setting a goal to be energy efficient, conserve water, recycle and keep the air as clean as possible, you’ll not only save on utility bills but you’ll also help keep your family and environment safe and healthy.

• • Do your part to conserve water

  • When installing a new toilet choose a WaterSense product available in-store. Replacing your old toilet with a low-flush model uses 1.3 gallons less water per flush.

  • Fix leaky faucets and toilets to save up to 20 gallons of water for each one.

  • Fully load automatic dishwashers before you run them, since the same amount of water is used regardless of the size of the load.

  • Replace your washing machine with an Energy Star model from LG Electronics, available in-store, and save 7,000 gallons of water per year.

  • Save energy

  • Choose Energy Star heating and cooling equipment and shave 10–20 percent off your utility bills.

  • Install a programmable thermostat to reduce your heat or air conditioning when you’re not home and save 33 percent on heating and cooling costs.

  • Insulate your home properly by applying a sealant around doors and windows to prevent drafts and maximize your heating and cooling costs.

  • Replace windows with Energy Star low-emissive windows to shave 15 percent off your energy bill.

  • Use solar cell panels, available in-store, to convert light into electrical energy and store it in the rechargeable batteries.

  • Replace regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs that last 10 times longer and consume 75 percent less energy.

  • Reduce indoor air pollutants

  • When painting, look for brands like Behr, available in-store that offer options with no or low volatile organic compounds (VOC).

  • Use an Energy Star air purifier to keep the air clean, save money and lower CO2 emissions.

  • Filter 97 percent of indoor pollutants by using an electrostatic air filter in your heating and air conditioning filtration system.

  • Purchase safe and natural cleaning products from brands such as Fabuloso and Nature’s Source, which are certified by the EPA’s Design for the Environment Program.