Having a healthy, comfortable and environmentally sustainable home isn’t just about the choices you make when remodeling. Day-to-day maintenance practices can make just as much of a difference.

These simple suggestions can make your home more enjoyable to live in and help preserve its value.

Assurance that your remodel is healthy, efficient and green.

GreenPointers: Maintenance

Enjoy your home and preserve its value

COMFORTABLE

COST-EFFECTIVE

SAVE ENERGY1

SAVE WATER2

MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER & HEALTHIER

3

MAKE YOUR HOME LAST4

A better environment from the inside out.

About GreenPoint Rated

Recognized as the mark of quality for green homes, the GreenPoint Rated label verifies that a home was built or remodeled according to proven environmental standards. Look for the GreenPoint Rated label—your assurance of a better place to live. Find out more at GreenPointRated.com.

1. SAVE ENERGY

• Using a programmable thermostat or diligently adjusting your thermostat manually

• Reducing the amount of time lights are on by using timers, motion sensors or photosensors

• Caulking and weatherstripping to reduce air leakage

• Checking the heating and cooling system’s air filter monthly and replacing when dirty

• Having a professional check and maintain your heating and cooling system annually

2. SAVE WATERReduce water and sewer bills and protect our future water supply by:

• Using the dishwasher and clothes washer only when you have a full load, and using the water- and energy-saving settings

• Promptly repairing leaky faucets, toilets and irrigation systems

• Adjusting your landscape watering schedule based on time of year and the plant’s water needs

3. MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER & HEALTHIER

Keep indoor air pollutants and toxic chemicals to a minimum by:

• Using healthier cleaning, pest control and landscaping products

• Removing shoes before entering your home

• Running the kitchen range hood and bathroom fans to exhaust odors, humidity and combustion gases

• Installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

4. MAKE YOUR HOME LAST

Extend your home’s life by:

• Cleaning out gutters and downspouts annually

• Checking caulking and flashing around windows, doors and siding every few years

• Addressing leaks and other maintenance issues before potentially expensive damage occurs

Save money and reduce your home’s impact on climate change by: