These days, a growing number of homeowners are becoming more environmentally aware and choosing to go “green.” By going green, you not only help to protect the planet, you can also save yourself a significant amount of money when it comes to energy costs. With these 5 ways to make your home more green friendly, you can truly get the best of both worlds.
#1: Change Your Appliances
One of the easiest ways to make your home greener is to simply change your appliances. If you have any appliances that are more than ten years old, it is a good idea to replace them with a more energy efficient model. When shopping for new appliances, look for those that have the “Energy Star” logo in order to make sure they are truly eco-friendly. These appliances use anywhere from 10-50% less water and energy than those without the logo.
#2: Maintain Your Furnace and Turn Down the Temperature
Making sure the air filter on your furnace is clear is one simple way to save energy. You can also turn down your thermostat in order to save energy. In fact, for every degree you go below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, you will save about 3-5% on your heat energy. Conversely, keeping it set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer can save energy as well. If you have an older furnace, you might also want to consider buying a new one. Today’s furnaces are about 25% more efficient than the ones that were made in the 80s.
#3: Watch Water Wastes
A few simple changes in your appliances can save a significant amount of water. Putting an aerator on your faucets, for example, can reduce the amount of water you use each year by 50%. Installing a low-flow toilet will also save on water, as they use only 1.6 gallons per flush as compared to models made before 1994 that used 3.5 gallons per flush.
#4: Use Green Cleaning Products
There are a number of green cleaning products currently available on the market. Or, you can make your own non-toxic, environmentally-friendly cleaning products. With simple ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, borax, washing soda, and lemon juice, you would be amazed by the amount of cleaning you can get done.
#5: Replacing Bulbs
Turning off your lights when they aren’t in use is one easy way to save on energy, but you can save even more with the help of compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use 66% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last 10 times longer.
