Many people are worried about the state of our environment. It's one thing to worry about it, but many are choosing to do something about it. Many homeowners and business owners are remodeling their businesses to go "green" and therefore more environmentally friendly. There are tons of ways to help protect the environment; here are just a few things that homeowners can do to their homes to help protect our planet.

First of all, make sure that the heating and cooling system in your home runs efficiently. Manufacturers are starting to make Energy Star appliances that not only conserve energy, but will also save homeowners money on their utility bills each month. Heating and air conditioner units should be serviced and cleaned on a regular basis; make sure you're keeping up on the routine maintenance to ensure you aren't wasting energy.

A lot of energy is wasted from windows and doors that leak air; therefore, the second way to make your home more environmentally friendly is to install windows and doors that are air tight. The windows you should look for are multiple paned glass, weather sealed to protect against air leaks. The money saved by this simple change can reduce your utility bills by up to 50% each year, and helps our environment by conserving energy!

Installation is as important as the products you choose. If you aren't sure exactly how to install the windows, heating system or air conditioning system, it's extremely important to hire a professional to do it for you. Find someone with a stellar reputation for excellent work to make sure these products are installed properly.

Most appliances are now available that are Energy Star compliant. Consider the appliances in your home that you use the most, such as your refrigerator, stove, and microwave - are they Energy Star rated appliances? Replacing energy hungry appliances with newer, more efficient ones is perhaps the easiest way to make your home green.

Once you have efficient window replacements and an efficient heating and air conditioning system, it's time to look at your insulation. Be sure that attic spaces are sufficiently insulated, and that the walls have a good insulation base as well. Remember that the point is to keep the energy from leaking out to the outside, so you save money and conserve energy at the same time.

Many homeowners are concerned about the cost of remodeling their home to make it more environmentally friendly. However, when you consider the potential savings that will be gained with the simple suggestions listed above, these renovations will pay for themselves quickly.

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