Eco-Coach, Inc. is one of CarbonfreeDC's business partners for the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover. This eco-consulting firm specializes in helping businesses and individuals become more environmentally friendly, energy efficient and healthy. For the Makeover, Eco-Coach will conduct eco audits in our deserving homes so we know the best way to make the biggest impact.

Back in November, Eco-Coach's founder, Anca Novacovici, gave a presentation at a CarbonfreeDC workshop on Energy Efficiency. If you're interested in greening your own home alongside the work CarbonfreeDC is doing in Deanwood & Shaw, follow some of Anca's tips below.

• Seal air leaks: Using caulk, spray foam and weather stripping to seal air leaks around doors, windows, in crawl spaces & in basements will keep outside temperatures out and inside temperatures in. Most leaks are easy to detect, simply use your hand to feel for differences in temperature around these areas.
  
• Manage air temperature: Installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to schedule temperature changes in your home so the A/C or heat is only working while you're there. Keep the A/C set at 78 degrees in warm months and at 73 degrees in cool months. Clean or replace your A/C filter on a regular basis. Use a fan when air conditioning is unnecessary.
  
• Improve Your Appliances: If you're running old appliances in your home, consider replacing them with Energy Star rated ones. Run the dishwasher and laundry machine full. On the dishwasher, turn off the "heat dry" setting and on the laundry machine, wash clothes in cold water. Vacuum the coils on the back of your refrigerator. Air dry clothes when possible.

Learn more about energy effeciency and Eco-Coach on their website!