7 Tips for Going Green
A Homeowners Guide to Going Green 7 Tips for Living an EcoFriendly Lifestyle
We get it – the idea of “going green” can seem daunting. What if we said that you can make your home more eco-friendly without having to drastically change your lifestyle? Follow these 7 steps (we promise we kept them simple!) to not only help the environment but your wallet as well.
1. Replace your light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs.
How many people does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one – you! Switching to CFLs or LEDs use 60-80% less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They also last longer because you don’t have to replace them as often which means you’ll be saving more money in the long run.
2. Reduce your water use.
Three hundred gallons – according to the EPA that’s the amount of water the average American family (2 adults and a child) use per day. You can conserve water by simply turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers or watering your plants with recycled water.
3. Unplug anything that isn’t being used.
The Department of Energy reports that if you don’t unplug unused electronics you could be losing an average of $100 per year. Putting your computer or television on standby can save you both money and energy. We get it takes time to unhook everything, so use a power strip with switched outlets so you can control which devices to turn on and off.
4. Switch to energy-efficient products.
Your house works hard to keep you comfortable all year long. Energy-efficient products can assist your heating and cooling appliances by trapping heat during the winter and reflecting it during the summer. See how you can become more energy efficient with our ultimate home energy checklist.
5. Fix any leaky toilets and faucets.
Since flushing the toilet is the largest use of household water it’s important to ensure there aren’t any leaks. (Leaks usually occur in the base due to loose tee bolts). Dripping faucets also create excessive water usage that can start adding up quickly. “Going green” can be as easy as performing routine maintenance on fixtures like these to prevent waste you may not even notice.
6. Use natural lighting as much as possible.
There’s no need to turn on energy-consuming lights when you can take advantage of sunlight. Plus, natural lighting not only brightens your home but can create a more inviting and relaxed atmosphere.
7. Replace any drafty windows or doors.
Old windows and doors can allow warm air to leak through tiny gaps during the winter and cool air to escape out during the summer. This creates seasonal drafts in your home and can cause extra stress on your heater, which raises your energy bill. Stay comfortable while “going green” by changing to more eco-friendly options like our ENERGY STAR® certified windows and doors.
Let us know how we can help you on your journey to a more sustainable and green home! Contact us today to learn more about our products and installations!