BBB: Going green a smart thing

April 22 is Earth Day, which may lead some homeowners to consider steps to both preserve the environment and save on energy costs. In many cases, you can take these measures without hiring an outside contractor, but if you do need one, check with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas at BBBHouston.org. BBB advises homeowners consider the following:

» Save energy: Make sure you set the right temperatures for cooling and heating properly. For home temperatures, get an electronic thermostat, so your furnace heats your house to a lower temperature while you sleep and returns to a warmer temperature before you get out of bed. During summer, keep your house to a comfortable 78 degrees, and in winter, set your thermostat at 68 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night.

» Work on fixing leaks: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are many culprits for air leaks around the house that contribute to inflated heating and cooling bills: 31 percent of air is leaked through floors, walls and ceilings, 15 percent from ductwork, 14 percent from the fireplace, 13 percent from plumbing penetrations and 11 percent from doors. In fact, only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. Applying weather stripping to windows and doors is an easy do-it-yourself project for most homeowners. For stopping leaks you should plug, insulate, repair, replace caulk or seal them to make it as leak-proof as possible.

» Add plants indoors and outdoors: Live plants act as natural air filters. Some plants even effectively absorb harmful pollutants released from carpets, electronic equipment and furniture, so improve and clean your indoor air by filling your home with a variety of plants. By planting trees and shrubs, homeowners also can create shade in the summer and windbreaks in the winter. Not only do they add aesthetic value, but carefully positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of the energy a typical household uses for cooling. Trees and shrubs also can be planted near an air conditioning unit to conserve energy. A

shaded air conditioner will use as much as 10 percent less energy.

» Insulate your attic: Heat rises and our roofs absorb the sun’s heat. For the most part, roofs are dark in color; therefore, your attic can be as much as 50 degrees warmer than the rest of your home. If your attic is insulated properly, it can act as a tight seal for the air in your home; keep all that attic heat from adding additional heat to your ceilings. How much insulation you need depends on where you live. Hire a contractor that can insulate your attic properly by using the correct materials. » Check your water heater: Older water heaters use gas to heat 50-70 gallons of water at all times. By lowering it a few degrees (e.g., from 110 to 105 degrees) and putting an insulating wrap around it, you may save a lot of energy. Furthermore, a tankless water heater is an even better option because it only heats water when you need it. Since it only uses electricity when it is engaged, it will work well with solar panels. » Consider replacing windows: While replacing old windows with more energyefficient

options requires an up-front investment, homeowners will reap the benefits of this improvement for years to come. Some energy-efficient windows are designed for warmer climates with coatings that prevent heat absorption. » Purchase energy-efficient appliances:

Appliances account for 20 percent of homeowners’ energy bills. When shopping for new appliances, heaters or air conditioners, BBB advises consumers to look for the Energy Star logo, the federal government’s label for energy efficiency. While such purchases can be expensive, a new, energy-efficient air conditioner, for example, could save up to 50 percent on the utility bill for cooling.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.