Do Just One Thing

12/31/11

Heating accounts for more than 29 percent of all annual utility usage, so make sure your heating system is in tip-top shape. One easy thing you can do is to check your ductwork: Is it as tight as possible? Are there any leaks? You can fix leaks with simple duct mastic or tape, which can help reduce heating loss and improve your heating system's efficiency as much as 20 percent. It will also help deliver warmer air throughout the home and that, combined with a programmable thermostat, will save you money and keep you warm all winter long.

12/30/11

This winter season, if you decide to invest in a snow blower for your home, think electric and not gas. Electric snow removal products work just as well as gasoline-powered ones but do not emit any greenhouse gases when being used. Of course, if you have very little to clear, a good manual snow shovel and broom can also do the trick.

12/29/11

The next time you do a home renovation project and gut out perfectly good, workable items like light and bathroom fixtures or appliances and countertops, don't toss them in the dump. Many Habitat for Humanity organizations around the country have ReStore shops that will gladly take these items and resell them to people who are doing their own home renovation projects. All the proceeds go back to their good works, and your donation is also tax deductible.