New Year's Resolutions for your Home

In the spirit of new beginnings, here are a few New Year’s resolutions for your home that will make it more efficient, clean and green for 2013.
  1. Streamline: it’s easy to acquire a lot of stuff year after year, so clearing the house of clutter can do a lot for the aesthetic appeal and overall feel. You will be surprised at how much nicer it feels once you are done.
  2. Make it safe and sound: a beautiful home is great, but it should also be safe. Check for radon, an odorless gas that causes about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles. There are test kits available at local hardware stores. Also, a carbon monoxide detector in addition to fire detectors will make a great investment.
  3. Reduce your carbon footprint (and your bills): going green isn’t just about solar panels and smart cars, you can also “go green” by making minor changes to your home. Switching off the lights, turning off the ac when possible, using fluorescent bulbs, and using less water can all help reduce your carbon footprint and your bills.
  4. Set up for entertaining: every year more and more people vow to spend more time with friends and family—well, now is your chance to set your home up for that very purpose. All it takes is a little rearranging and some simple updates. It could be as simple as adding new plant life—they bring energy and help clean the air.