Want to be a better member of the community, get started today with these simple first steps. A healthy community starts with you.

Reuse – look for product packaging that allows for reuse, look for minimal throw away packaging, look for new uses for old items

Reduce – replace old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED or Compact Fluorescent bulbs

Tighten – air seal your home, this is the least expensive most effective way to achieve energy efficiency

Eliminate – turn off electrical devices not in use, use smart power strips that get rid of phantom loads from appliance like televisions and phone chargers

Strip – weatherstrip your doors and windows, open the windows in the cool mornings to ‘air condition’ your home, close blinds in the warm day to keep the cool in

Hang Out – install a clothes line to dry your clothes instead of running that appliance that contributes to the humidity in your home

Maintain – make sure your HVAC system is in top running order, change the filter, have a regular check-up from a technician that is trained in building science

Conserve – fix drips and leaks in plumbing systems, plant native plants, use water efficient fixtures

Insulate – make sure your attic, band board, crawl space, and basement are insulated properly, don’t settle for code minimum – ask for most effective amount of insulation

Localize – buy, shop, and support local businesses that keep local dollars in the community

For more thoughts on saving money, protecting the environment, and on architectural design visit my websites:

www.facebook.com/virginiaarchitect

www.harrisonburgarchitect.com

www.twitter.com/thegainesgroup

www.thegainesgroup.com

 
Posted by Charles Hendricks on 06/14/2011 08:09 PM   Comments (2)   Energy Saving Tips in the ActiveRain Channel   energy efficient  
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2 Comments on 10 things to do for a better community

JUN
14
2011
608,659 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

This is a great blog with wonderful advice.....I shopped a local hardware store this weekend....guess what...they were cheaper than Home Depot!!  I love it! 
8:13pm • #1
126,154 Points

Usually the price is the same or slightly higher, so good find on price. The service is almost always better and most if not all of the money stays in the community.
8:15pm • #2


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Charles Hendricks

Harrisonburg, VA

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The Gaines Group, PLC Architecture and Design

Address: P.O. Box 2591, Harrisonburg , VA, 22801

Office Phone: (540) 437-0012

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