As we shift gears for the coming winter months, there are a couple of things to think about: 1.) Do I have the right system to cut my energy consumption and 2.) Is the air in my home as clean as it could be? If your furnace is more than 10 years old, you may want to look into an energy efficient, gas furnace with new technology such as the Trane XC95. This furnace actually communicates with all components of your system on its own and helps ensure overall system performance. It could save you up to 40 percent on energy consumption. At the same time you may want to add a whole-house air filtration unit. This one, Trane CleanEffects, removes more than 99 percent of the flu virus from the filtered air in your home, so you can get energy savings for fall and cleaner, healthier air. www.Trane.com 

Cover your windows…..
Graber Blinds is “Green by Nature” both the company’s products and manufacturing processes are eco-friendly and energy efficient.  Graber’s CrystalPleat Cellular Shades have a unique cell design that forms pockets of air.  These insulate windows from heat and cold, and ultimately reduce energy consumption and heating bills by providing better temperature control.  These shades are the most energy-efficient type of blind.  They are available in three levels of opacity and cell sizes so they can be customized for your privacy and home décor. www.graberblinds.com

Start with the vacuum…..
The Eureka envirovac has an 8-amp motor, which when compared to other full-size vacuums with a 12-amp motor, reduces energy consumption by 33 percent. The Eureka envirovac features a washable HEPA filter that consumers can reuse, instead of replace, for a more environmentally friendly option that is also easy to maintain. It captures 99.97 percent of dirt, dander and allergens found in the home and seals them inside the vacuum.  Even the box is green – made from 100% recycled cardboard and it’s smaller for efficient shipping.  Sold exclusively at Walmart www.walmart.com Price: $72.22 

Conserve water…
You can save 4,000 gallons of water per toilet by using a water-conserving toilet like American Standard’s Compact Cadet 3 One piece, which is a high efficiency toilet. The Compact Cadet 3 uses 20 percent less water than a standard 1.6 gallon per flush toilet without sacrificing performance. The toilet has a permanent
EverClean surface that prevents growth of bacteria, mold and mildew in between cleanings. The elongated bowl saves space by fitting in the same area as a round front bowl.  www.americanstandard.com Price: $542

Paint is a great way to bring new life to any room.  Dutch Boy’s new Refresh
Interior paint is not only environmentally conscious, but it’s also formulated with
Arm & Hammer odor-eliminating technology.  So, when walls are painted with
Refresh, common household airborne odors are captured and locked into the
paint's film, essentially removing them from the air.  Refresh paint also
provides a zero VOC formulation, is GREENGUARD certified and offers a
mildew resistant coating.  It’s ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms, family rooms,
bathrooms or even basements. Price: $23 a gallon. For additional information 
regarding Refresh, or to locate a retailer near you, visit http://dutchboy.com/refresh