The opportunities to go green today are almost limitless! Here are five more tips for an Earth-friendly home that won’t hurt your pocketbook.
Swap Regular Light Bulbs for LED Bulbs
The switch from traditional incandescent light bulbs to the curly-que compact fluorescent bulbs was rocky at best. CFLs are hard to recycle and often emit a somewhat harsher light than you may want for your living spaces. New LED bulbs eliminate some of these problems. Available in a wide range of colors and brightness levels, LEDs last longer and are among the most energy-efficient lighting options on the market.
Improve Your Insulation
Whether it’s hot or cold outside, quality insulation is a cornerstone of your home’s energy efficiency. Many locales even offer tax incentives or vouchers to help with your insulation needs. While tearing out drywall to improve insulation is probably out of the question, check your home’s attic and insulate it as needed. It could make a big difference for your energy bill.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Why pay to heat or cool your house when no one is home? Programmable thermostats give you total control over your home’s heating and cooling system. Setting the thermostat to raise or lower the temperature when you’re away can lead to huge energy savings.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels may seem like an extreme measure, but the advantages they offer are hard to deny. Many companies offer the option for homeowners to rent or buy panels to accommodate any budget. Even better, this eco-friendly energy alternative can put money back into your pocket. If your panels return more energy to the grid than you consume during a billing cycle, your power provider might cut you a check.
Consider Energy-efficient Windows
Those drafty old windowpanes aren’t just costing you money on your home’s heating and cooling bill—they’re also bad for the planet. Like good insulation, energy-efficient windows are an essential component of eco-friendly homes. Research government incentives in your area when making the switch to more efficient windows. There could be a local program to help shoulder some of the initial cost.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a home that’s friendly to both the environment and your bank account.
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