Going green is an increasingly popular concept. Fortunately, for people who aren’t thrilled about spending a large amount of money to buy a bunch of products painted green, this is not the only option. There are many steps you can take to decrease your footprint that will also save you money. Read on to learn what you can do to improve your green lifestyle.
A simple way to reduce your energy consumption is to make sure you are using extra insulation. Depending where you live and how old your home is, your house probably won’t have sufficient insulation. New techniques have been developed that can add extra insulation without tearing out your walls. This simple change can make a huge difference, especially during extremes of temperature.
Check the seals in your kitchen. Both your oven and fridge have seals that need to be checked occasionally. If these seals aren’t working properly, it is just like having a leaky window–the temperature on the inside leaks into the outside. This makes the appliance work harder to keep the correct temperature. These can be replaced pretty easily, and can give a second life to a seemingly failing appliance.
Invest in a programmable thermostat. This one simple thing can save you something like 10% of your energy bill over the course of a year. Of course, you need to set it properly to enjoy these savings. There are two things you can do to save money with this simple tool. First off, set the temperature lower at night than during the day. This is actually going to help you sleep better, and since it is naturally cooler at night your system won’t have to work as hard. Secondly, turn the thermostat up during the summer and down during the winter. The principle is the same–setting the temperature closer to the temperature outside will save energy. By making small changes, you can enjoy this benefit without being uncomfortable.
Laundry is a big energy waster in most homes. Again, there are a couple ways to save energy doing laundry. Use only cold water when washing your clothes. Further this benefit by line drying your clothes when the weather is good. A little fresh air will let your clothes smell great without chemicals to boot.
Consider adding a green energy source to your home. While this will take some time and money, it can add a huge benefit and savings in the long run. Research is going to be vital as each home has a unique opportunity to add green energy to it. Most can benefit from solar panels, but some can also make use of hydro or wind power. A small system can save you money, a large system can provide all your needs or even earn you a little money.
These tips will help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. Not only does this help you meet your budget, you get to feel great about your decisions. Use one or more of these tips to start your trek to a greener life.