We are not technically (sp) green, but I try to be conservative. I used to run the washer when ever, now I try to do all my laundry twice a week only. I keep rooms we don't use close off with the vents closed. One room is for my fabric and I don't want the kitties in there sleeping on the fabric. Our house if over 2000 and it's bigger than I want when it's time to clean. It's paid for so it would cost to much to downsize if we could find a buyer and a smaller house that cost less than we could get for this one.