Eco-Tips: Fall 2007

Save Energy, Stay Warm

While the icy winds of winter may seem a long way off, now is the best time to get your home ready for the cold season. Did you know that the largest portion of any utility bill for a typical house is heating and cooling? Try these tips for saving energy:

• Install a programmable thermostat. Being able to turn down the heat for large chunks of time, such as at night or while at work, can make a difference in your overall energy consumption. Consider turning off the heat to rooms that are not heavily used.
• Perform regular maintenance. If you have a forced air furnace, make sure to clean or change the furnace filter about once a month. Most furnaces will need to be professionally cleaned and tuned once a year.
• Insulate your home. The best way to quickly save energy is by installing good insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends an R-49 rating for attics; "R'' stands for resistance to heat flow -- the higher the R-value the greater the insulating power.
• Plug leaks and holes. In addition to insulating your attic and walls, another easy energy saving step is to add caulking and weather stripping. Feel for cool air around windows, electrical receptacles and pipe and wire entry points.
• Make your windows work for you. While having double paned windows makes a difference, little things like closing curtains at night and keeping south facing windows clean and open during the day can help keep your home warmer.
• Don't overuse kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans. Left on for too long, these fans can pull out much of your heated air.

Autumn Lawn Care Pointers

Though many people gear up to work on their yards and gardens in the spring, fall is actually a critical time for yard work. Check out these environmentally-friendly action tips to help ensure a healthy yard next spring:

Keep mowing. As long as the weather is warm, your grass will keep growing. You can cut grass short in the fall; a height of about two inches will promote new grass stems.

Rake up those leaves. Not enough sunlight reaches your grass when it’s hidden under piles of leaves. If you have a mulching attachment for your lawn mower, leaving up to half an inch of shredded leaves and grass clippings is fine.

Dethatch and aerate your lawn. A healthy lawn requires that both air and water reach the roots. If excessive thatch (matted dead organic matter) builds up, it can block air. You can get dethatching rakes and aerating tools at your local garden store. For bigger yards there is the option of renting equipment for easier dethatching and aerating.

Fertilize organically. When preparing your soil for next year, add organic, slow-release fertilizer that will help enhance your soil over time.

Learn more about toxic-free lawn care here:
www.beyondpesticides.org