Being eco-sensitive not only protects the environment, it protects a homeowner’s bank account. Eco-friendly changes within the home will add ease and comfort to everyday life while providing an extra padding to the savings account.
Here are six simple ways to go green:
1. The Living/Family Room
As one of the most used areas in the home, the living room or family room can be more energy efficient when insulated with eco-friendly products. Not only is the material recycled with a natural fire retardant, it can also be easily added to an existing home without major reconstruction. It will also keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
As far as decorating the area, look into reclaimed wood products or recycled fabrics and energy efficient electronics like lights and TVs.
2. Windows
Replacing the existing windows in the home with brand new windows is safer and more energy efficient. Most brands of new windows are double paned with thick fiberglass, thus it is far more difficult for intruders to break through the glass. Additionally, the thick fiberglass keeps cool air in during the warm months and cool air out in the cooler months.
3. Kitchen
With the amount of time normally spend in the kitchen using various forms of electricity, a few key changes can transform the space into a green area.
New kitchen appliances, specifically the dishwasher and refrigerator, are much more energy efficient than older appliances. Furthermore, different models, although they are already energy saving, have modes programmed into their features that offer more eco-friendly options that save water and electricity.
Purchasing a water aerator for the kitchen faucet costs barely pennies yet saves a fortune on the water bill. The aerator pumps air into the water, so users don’t need to run the tap at full blast.
4. Solar Powered Lights
For outdoor house lights or garden lights, use solar powered lanterns. They automatically turn on and off based on the amount of sunlight in the sky. Not only are they extremely energy efficient, homeowners do not have to worry about turning the lights on and off.
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.
Additionally, solar powered panels can be used to power an entire home.
5. Laundry Room
According to the US Department of Energy, a washing machine uses up to 90 percent of its energy to heat the water in one laundry load. By washing clothes in cold water with cold-water detergents, a homeowner can save up to 10 percent on their bill.
6. Recycle
From milk cartons to aluminum cans to plastic bags, recycling these products help the environment.
Being eco-conscience can be done in the simplest of ways. Taking the time to make these changes will save money and energy, providing a greener earth to enjoy by reducing your carbon footprint.
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