What are some simple ways to make your home green?

To make your home more energy efficient, you can start by changing your mindset, and be green as you go.

Chose products differently. Don’t pick something that saves time, has the newest bells and whistles or is the cheapest. Pick the one that will last longer or use less energy. Every time an appliance needs to be replaced, think of your green options and sooner rather than later, you will have a home that is healthier, safer, more comfortable and will resell faster and for a high- er price.

Get a hygrometer and test your home’s humidity. The ideal humidity should be between 35- 60 percent although it can get a bit lower during the winter to avoid condensation on windows. If it is too low ( below 25 percent) you could suffer from dry skin or be more susceptible to cold and flu germs.

Exceptionally dry air can also harm your home by making wood crack or electronics fail. If it is too humid ( above 65 percent) it can encourage the growth of fungus or mold. If your humidity levels are not right, this could be a sign that you have a problem with your dryer venting, air heating, cooling or air filtration.

Use programmable thermostats. They make it possible for you to heat or cool your home only when needed.

Purchase an attic pull down stair insulation box/ tent. Attic pull down stairs do not typically seal well which means lost heat into the attic. They are easy to move when you need to access the attic and can save up to hundreds of dollars in lost heat every year. Excess attic heat is the largest contributor to ice dam issues with roofs in the winter.

Track your usage of such things as water and electricity both before and after changes are made this way you can be motivated to keep making these changes and make your home a greener place.