Whether you’re trying to save money or do more for the environment, green living is a goal that should be pursued by everyone. After all, reports show that most people can save up to 30% on their energy bills by going green.
Making a more eco-friendly home doesn’t have to be hard. Follow the five tips below to learn how to make your home green.
1. Switch to LED Bulbs
Lighting takes more power than you think. Traditional light bulbs use a lot of energy and aren’t very efficient. If you use many bulbs to light your home, this can use a significant amount of power.
LED bulbs change that by offering an energy-efficient bulb that lasts a long time. They are a more costly upfront investment but will pay for themselves over time.
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Is your home empty for a lot of the day? If so, you’re probably using more energy than you should by keeping your house at a comfortable temperature. There’s no reason to keep your home comfortable when nobody is there to enjoy it.
A programmable thermostat will help by automatically changing your home’s climate on a schedule. Program it to change the thermostat’s temperature when nobody is home. You’ll save money and use less power by not using your AC and furnace as much.
3. Replace Your Appliances
Old appliances use a lot of power. Energy star appliances weren’t a thing in the past, and technology hadn’t advanced far enough to efficiently run large appliances. Things are much different today.
You don’t need to replace every appliance in your home at once. However, make sure to stick with energy star certified appliances when it’s time to purchase a replacement.
4. Seal and Insulate Your House
It takes an excessive amount of energy to heat your home when you have poor insulation and cracks near your windows. The goal should be to keep heat inside, not let it leak outside. The good news is that it’s easy to solve this problem.
Your first step is to seal your windows. Doing this will close up cracks and help stop hot air from leaking outside. All it takes is a sealing solution to get this job done.
The next step is to re-insulate your house. Many electric companies offer free consultations to tell you if this step is necessary. If it is for you, contact a contractor to re-insulate your attic and walls to keep more heat inside.
5. Invest in Solar
If you have a larger budget and want to drastically drop the amount of power you pull from the grid. Solar panels are the perfect investment. Solar prices are at an all-time low, and there are plenty of tax incentives when you invest in solar.
If you’re worried about relying entirely on solar power, you can take advantage of newer battery technology for times when you don’t get much sun. If you do happen to run out of power, you can still draw from the grid to power your home.
Anyone Can Make a More Eco-Friendly Home
With energy costs on the rise, it makes sense to learn how to be more sustainable. Your eco-friendly home won’t just save you money but will also help the environment. Use the sustainability tips above to start the process today.
Are you looking for more ideas that will help you live a greener life? Read our latest blog posts to find our best ideas.