Earth Day is a great time to reflect on how we can make our homes more eco-friendly. By taking small but significant steps, we can help lower our overall impact on the environment. It’s a team effort, and every individual can contribute to making a change.
Install Programmable Thermostats
One of the most effective ways to be eco-friendly is to increase the efficiency of our air conditioning or water usage. Programmable thermostats are a quick and easy way to reduce energy use. They can save you 1-2% on your utility bill by working on a predetermined schedule rather than a 24-hour automatic one. This means that your home can automatically start heating up later in the day and cooling down in the morning. This precision can save you money, keep your HVAC system working longer, and help the environment.
Use LED Light Bulbs
Using LED light bulbs is a no-brainer when it comes to being eco-friendly. They use 25-30% of the energy of incandescent bulbs and last 8-25 times longer. This means that you’ll save money on buying fewer bulbs, have a lower utility bill, and reduce your environmental impact.
Prevent Air Leaks
Air leaks are not eco-friendly because they result in lower quality air in your home. They also make it more difficult for your HVAC system to work, leading to high energy bills and a drain on Earth’s resources. To prevent air leaks, you can choose a high-efficiency air conditioner and seal up any cracks in your home. This will help you to improve the quality of the air you breathe while also reducing your environmental impact.
Pick Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you have standard appliances that are 10 years old, you could be spending $185/year more than you need to. Using energy-efficient appliances means less energy and less water usage. You can save money, reduce your environmental impact, and enjoy the same level of performance from your appliances.
Reduce Water Use
Reducing water usage is an oldie but a goodie. Taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, and planting drought-resistant plants to cut back on water use in your yard are all great ways to reduce water usage. You can also turn off the hose while soaping down your car and use a broom to clean your driveway or sidewalk instead of wasting water to wash it down. Fixing leaky toilets and faucets should be a high priority to avoid wasting water. You can also install low-flow showerheads and toilets to maximize water usage.
Explore Solar Energy
Solar panels can save homeowners a lot of money in the long run, even though they can have high costs upfront. The average home can save $10,000-$30,000 over the lifetime of its solar panel system. In addition to being a money saver, solar panels are eco-friendly as well! They help prevent the emission of greenhouse gases and save water resources. By exploring solar energy, you can reduce your environmental impact and cut your energy bills.
Use No-To Low-VOC Products
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals emitted in a gas form from some solids and liquids. They are extremely bad for the environment and can contribute to acid rain, too much ozone too close to the earth, and various health problems. You can help by using as few products that contain VOCs as possible and looking for alternatives when you can. You can also help and beautify your home simultaneously by planting eco-friendly plants that remove VOCs from the air.
Compost
Food scraps and yard waste constitute more than 30% of what we throw away in the US. Instead of sending this trash to landfills where they take up space and release methane, you can compost it! Compost enriches soil and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. You can learn how to compost both indoors and outdoors by clicking here.
Enroll In Online Statements
Enrolling in online statements is one of the easiest ways to reduce paper usage and help the environment. By doing this, you can save trees, reduce energy use, and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
How Do You Make Your Home Eco-Friendly?
Do you have any other eco-friendly tips for us? Reach out and let us know!
