Cutting Costs And Making Homes Green ; (NAPSA)—The U.S. Department of Energy says homeowners can save $600 or moreper year on utility bills by thinking green when making changes to their home. Try these tips for making your home greener—andcuttingcosts. Eliminate Leaks A leaky faucet may seem like a drop in the bucket when it comes to your monthly water bill, but those drips can add up. In fact, the Environmental Pro- tection Agency says fixing leaks and fitting your home with waterefficient fixtures could save you up to $175 annually. These fixtures include aerators for faucets, tankless water heaters and lowflow or dual-flush toilets. Build Smart If you're renovating or building a home, consider using energy-conserving materials. For instance, CertainTeed’s DryRight™fiber glass insulation can be an easy and cost-effective way to conserve energy. DryRight features all of the thermalefficiency benefits of standard fiber glass insulation and includes a nylon facing that helps keep moisture out of wall cavities as well as the risk of dangerous mold. Plant Locally When landscaping your yard, consider using plants that are native to the area. Known as xeriscaping, this approach can cut The right insulation can help cut energy costs and protect homes from mold. down on irrigation needs. It’s also smart to look for permeable pavement to allow rainwater to seep into the ground rather than load the stormwater systems. See the Light The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program reports that if every American home changed out just five highfuse light fixtures or bulbs with ones that have earned the Energy Star, each family would save about $60 every year in energy costs. For more information andtips, visit www.certainteed.com.
