Going green by making your home more eco-friendly protects both the environment and your bank account. Although being eco-sensitive is a popular trend, it truly is beneficial to bettering the safety of your overall home and well being.
Here are five tips you can implement to make your home more energy efficient and budget-friendly:
1. Electricity
Electrical costs are often some of the most expensive parts of owning a house. Between house lights, the air conditioner, appliances, dryer, computer and printer, and all other plug-in items, it is no wonder the electric bill costs so much each month. However, there are a few ways to cut down on costs, inadvertently going green in the process.
Switch old incandescent lights to LED lights, invest in an energy-saving refrigerator, and switch to drying your clothes the old fashioned way—on a clothesline, as the US Department of Energy estimates that a homeowner can save 10 percent on their bill by getting rid of their dryer.
Additionally, in order to spare the environment further, consider switching your landline phone to a company, like North Carolina Vonage, that attaches to your wireless Internet. This type of connection does not require any electricity.
2. Windows
Window coverings can do a world of difference in terms of temperature. They aid in keeping cool air out during the winter and cool air in during the summer. However, if your windows are older, broken, or cracked at the seams, they could potentially be letting air in, which causes your thermostat to work overtime to compensate for the drafty air.
Consider replacing the windows with new energy efficient windows. By replacing the windows in the home with new, double paned, fiberglass windows, the home keeps cool air in during the warm months and cool air out in the cooler months.
3. Indoor Recycled Insulation
The inside of the home can easily become more eco-sensitive by being insulated with eco-friendly products. Most eco-friendly products are made with recycled fire retardant, making the installation process much simpler. Not only is it recycled material, but it also retains warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer, which saves your thermostat from running as often.
4. Solar Energy
For outdoor house lights or garden lights, use solar powered lanterns. Solar lanterns work based off of the amount of sunlight present. When the sun begins to set, the lanterns automatically turn on, which is not only energy efficient; it also saves homeowners from having to remember to turn the lights on and off. It additionally adds a layer of security around the house, as the automatic lights will turn on regardless of whether anyone is home or not.
Since more than 20 percent of a home’s energy use is estimated to be from light bulbs, anything a homeowner can do to cut down on light use, such as solar powered lamps and fluorescent light bulbs, will save money and energy.
Taking the time to introduce more energy efficient methods into your home will help to decrease your carbon footprint and increase your bank account.