Cutting back on how many resources run your home can be easy. With a few small changes, and maybe some big ones, you can reduce your carbon footprint and save some money at the same time. Continue on for some great ideas on how you can go about doing this.
One of the simplest ways to help save the environment is to use less energy. When you aren’t using an appliance, unplug it. Try turning off the TV and lights when they’re not in use. This simple little suggestion can save you money.
Wear natural fabrics during the summer in order to avoid wasting energy on air conditioning. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw moisture naturally from the skin, making it cooler. Wear light colors because these will make you warmer and it will be less likely for you to use artificial cold air.
Every year, replace your furnace’s filters, and every month, see if they require a cleaning. Install filters for your warm-air registers, too. This will help keep debris or dirt from clogging vents and reducing their overall efficiency.
Do your laundry using cold water, if you can. If you use warm or hot water in your washing machine, almost 90% of your energy use goes towards heating the water. Washing clothes in cold water can be just as effective as a warm cycle, especially with today’s cold water detergents. Additionally, always wash with a full load of laundry, as this helps to lower the amount of energy you use.
When away from home, cover the windows. This keeps your home cooler naturally, reducing the strain on your air conditioner and saving energy. More often than not, south-facing windows will let in the most sun due to their positioning. When possible, however, cover all of your windows with special shades like roller shades, roman shades or dark, thick curtains.
You can consider getting solar water heaters to heat your water. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are unlikely, you can purchase systems that circulate water through solar heating systems before pumping it inside for use. Don’t get rid of your conventional water heater though; you may need it if it’s cloudy when you’re ready to use hot water.
Solar hot water heaters are an excellent way to have lower costs on your hot water energy use. Purchase a hot water system that uses solar energy. Indirect or direct circulation systems are both available. The indirect system is a a great thing to have and you do not have to think about having frozen pipes during the winter.
Storm Windows
Air flow is controlled best in homes with storm windows and doors. Storm doors and windows dramatically reduce the amount of drafts and cold air that get into your home. Storm windows and doors boosts energy efficiency as much as 45%, which can cut electricity costs.
Get rid of your old water heater and put in a green, tankless one. These heaters only heat water when you need it rather than heating the tank constantly. This saves you on your gas or electricity costs. Tankless water heaters are available to purchase in many different sizes; you can heat water for your whole house, or just a single faucet.
Professionals can help to analyze your home and give you tips on making it more green. They can provide an estimate of how much money inefficient appliances and systems are costing you, and they can tell you what upgrading or replacing such systems will cost.
Try to get your mail, like bills, sent to you through email. In other words, choose paperless options anytime you can. Going paperless helps the environment by limiting the amount of deforestation as well as the energy costs associated with paper communications. It also helps save the planet, of course.
Don’t set your thermostat to over 68 degrees if you can help it. In colder weather, you can make use of warm pajamas, sweat suits and slippers! When you keep the heat unnecessarily high you use far more energy than you need to–and that is expensive!
Use the ideas laid out here and apply them to your daily home life. You will see your energy use diminish and you will be helping the planet. Your home can be very green if you make a few changes at a time.
