Using less energy around the home is easier than you might think, saving your money while creating a healthier, more comfortable living space for you and your family. Changing a few old habits can make an impact on your energy bill, your comfort and the environment. Here are some handy tips to make your house more energy-efficient.

Lower the heat

If your home has adjustable central heating, lowering the room temperature even slightly can make a difference. You may not feel it, but your wallet will. It is even more advisable to control temperatures at different times of the day.

Hang clothes out to dry

If the weather allows it, head outside and dry your laundry on a clothesline. The sunlight will help eliminate (除去) bacteria and dust. While clothes dryers get the job done faster, they also use up energy. By hanging your clothes out, you' ll be cutting greenhouse gases by about three kilograms per load.

Take advantage of natural light

Installing (安装) large windows on the northern side of your house can help you make use of sunlight's natural warmth. To stay cool indoors on hot summer days, install blinds (百叶窗) to block the heavy sun. Put your desk near the window, then you don't need a lamp in the daytime.

Wrap (裹) your pipes

Be sure your hot-water pipes are properly wrapped. In an average home, heating water accounts for more than one-quarter of the energy bill. Why let warmth go to waste before it reaches you?

Choose the right size for appliances (家用电器)

When the time comes to replace (更换) appliances, select those that are both energy-efficient and of the appropriate size for your needs. Don' t buy bigger ones just because you can.

【小题1】What benefit may using less energy at home bring about?

A．Enlarging your living space.	B．Keeping old habits unchanged.
C．Having a healthier living environment.	D．Improving your work efficiency.

【小题2】Which of the following is one of the advantages of hanging clothes out to dry?

A．It gets clothes dry much faster than clothes dryers.

B．It uses half the energy that clothes dryers do.

C．It may help to build a greenhouse.

D．It helps remove bacteria in clothes.

【小题3】What can be installed on the northern side of your house to make better use of natural light?

A．Shades.

B．Windows.

C．Blinds.

D．Curtains.

【小题4】Besides energy-efficiency, what else should be considered when replacing appliances?

A．Proper size.

B．Good quality.

C．Replacing time.

D．Reasonable price.