Going green will help your family be more eco-friendly, but did you know that it will also help you save money? When you use natural, renewable resources like the sun’s power, then you make your home more sustainable and healthier.
Your local electric company’s website should offer tips on getting started. Many offer tools like online calculators to show you how much money you could be saving by taking steps to make it more energy-efficient. But what should you do first?
Once you know what you need to change, get the entire family on board with your new, green lifestyle. Call a family meeting to discuss ways that everyone can contribute to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Then make a chart to help remind your family of their new tasks.
Going Green from the Inside Out
Teaching kids to turn off lights when they leave the room and to read a book instead of an e-reader are steps towards an eco-friendly lifestyle that thrives on sustainable energy. There are other things adults can do to make even more of an impact.
The tips below are one-time changes that add up to noticeable, ongoing savings when it comes to your utility bills. Here are some of the more popular tips for homeowners, but depending on the type and age of your home, there could be many more.
Insulate Your Home
Insulation and siding can help hold heat inside your home during the winter. It can also keep the hot air out during the summer. Also make sure windows stay properly sealed, and that all cracks and crevices are filled in outside your home.
Use Efficient Heating and Cooling
It is okay to run the heat and air conditioning, but use a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures. Also make sure you clean the filters so that your HVAC system can run at peak efficiency.
Benefits of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help keep your house cool enough that you can eliminate air conditioning. They fans are not only more energy-efficient, but they are also less expensive to buy. Be sure to turn off the fans when leaving a room.
Use Energy Star Appliances
If you need a new appliance, such as a refrigerator or a washing machine, go for one that has an energy star rating. These appliances are more eco-friendly and will help you save money in the long run.
One-Time Changes Can Add Up to Ongoing Savings
Light colored roofs will reflect the sun away from your home. During hot weather, this can mean the difference in high energy bills and naturally cool temperatures outside your home. If you have a dark colored roof, then consider having it re-shingled.
Another one-time change is windows. New windows promote energy efficiency by taking advantage of natural light. Skylights, for example, allow natural light inside your home, which means less reason to turn on a light in the rooms of your home during the day.
Finally, you can consider alternate forms of heating, like wood-burning stoves. Even if you do not use solar panels, you should consider a solar powered generator to power up electric yard tools or to take along on camping trips.
Mark Harris avoids the daily commute by working from home as a freelance writer and internet marketer. He uses sites like http://www.go-green-solar-energy.com for ways to promote green living from behing the laptop and during his free time. When he’s not working, Mark can be found exploring White Rock, BC via hiking trails or his kayak.