Schedule an energy assessment

The burning of fossil fuels,such as coal and natural gas, to create electricity or to heat buildings creates climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing our energy use not only saves us money and conserves resources--it’s also an effective way to cut our emissions.

A  home energy assessment  by a professionally trained auditor can help pinpoint home performance issues and offer solutions that can save you money and reduce your home’s energy use and carbon footprint.  Check with your utility company to see if they provide free or subsidized energy audits, or contact the Minnesota Building Performance Association for suggestions regarding energy auditors.

Insulate and seal

A home that is well air-sealed and insulated saves you energy and money while increasing your comfort. During power outages, homes that are properly sealed may stay comfortably warm or cool for longer. They are also much more climate-friendly than poorly sealed homes, because they require less energy to heat and cool. Home Envelope, a publication of the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources, provides clear, practical recommendations and information on home insulation, air-sealing, and more.

Ventilate naturally

During mild weather, explore ways to increase natural ventilation. First, determine how and where prevailing winds are blowing--refer to the NOAA Wind Map for guidance. Next, experiment with opening windows and doors throughout the house to find out what gives you the best air flow. Add strategically placed fans to help move the air from room to room.

See Cooling Your Home with Fans and Ventilation from the U.S. Department of Energy for more suggestions.

Maintain or upgrade your furnace, A/C, and water heater 

To function best, furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, and similar systems need regular maintenance. Information on maintaining heating and air conditioning systems is available at energy.gov/energysaver. If shopping for new heating or cooling systems, look for ones that have the Energy Star label. The label certifies that the appliance has met U.S. EPA standards for energy and water use. Consider furnaces, water heaters or other systems that can be wall mounted or elevated in areas where unwanted water might enter.

Keep water out of your basement

Heavier and more frequent rain events mean more stormwater run-off and more potential for storm-drain backups, erosion, water pollution, flooding, and water in homes.

• Keep gutters cleaned to help direct water away from the foundation. If your gutter system is not big enough to handle heavy rain, consider replacing with over-sized gutters.
  
  
• Place rain-barrels at downspouts. A 1-inch rain on a 1,000 sq. foot roof will produce over 600 gallons of water! Use the collected rainwater to irrigate your lawn or garden. Empty barrels often to prevent overflow!
  
  
• Create a rain garden to collect storm-water that might otherwise find its way into your home or flood your lawn or street.

• Watch for water pooling close to the home.  Landscape through sloping or other means to redirect water away from the foundation.
  
  
• Limit/replace surfaces like asphalt and concrete (which don’t absorb water) with permeable (porous, absorbent) ones. Like rain gardens, permeable pavers and porous asphalt and concrete allow water to soak in, helping to replenish groundwater, rather than draining into storm sewers or streams and lakes where it can cause flooding and contamination.
  

Replace turf with native plants and grasses

Native plants typically need less water to thrive than do non-natives and can often handle drought and other weather extremes more effectively. An added benefit of native plants is that many have deeper root systems which can absorb and retain water that might otherwise become storm runoff. They also provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other pollinators as well as local wildlife.

Plant a tree

Trees are great options for fighting climate change -- one tree can absorb a ton of CO2 over its lifetime! Trees are also great at absorbing rain water. See livinggreen.org/trees for information and guidance on landscaping with trees. An excellent resource on landscaping for energy savings can be found at Energy.Gov/Landscaping.