It’s often said that homeownership is an essential component of most people’s American Dream, but while it should be, once someone has purchased their dream home (or the best they can afford, etc.), it’s important to take economic considerations and/or challenges into account, as well as hopefully being responsible and concerned about the environment. While there are numerous green home possibilities, this article will briefly review 7 simple, relatively cheap. environmentally responsible actions, etc. After all, it doesn’t help the environment, in any meaningful way, if one can’t afford to do what is necessary and/or necessary.
1. Energy – efficient lights: What kind of bulbs are you using? There are light bulbs available today that are much more energy efficient, often using less than a quarter of the power required by a conventional light bulb. Doing this not only saves energy costs, but also helps the environment!
2. Turn off the lights: The nightmare of many parents of teenagers is having to follow them around the house to turn off the lights behind them. Many commercial establishments have installed motion detectors in rooms such as bathrooms, hotel rooms, certain hallways, etc., to save money on their energy costs. Turning off the lights is simple and easy, but often we don’t pay enough attention to the simplest of tasks.
3. Energy saving appliances: Many older appliances are much less energy friendly than newer ones. These include: air conditioners; stoves/ranges/ovens; refrigerators/freezers; etc Imagine how our environment could benefit if more people tackled these problems?
4. Isolation: Quality insulation reduces waste, whether someone lives in a warmer or colder climate. Consider the insulation rating and pay attention to areas where there is often a lot of loss, such as outlets, ceilings, etc. In cold climates, one would use less heat, and in hot climates, less air conditioning!
5. Doors and windows: Examine your doors and windows. Are your doors hung correctly, and are they made and adjusted correctly? Are there any air leaks coming from your windows? Are your windows and doors energy efficient?
6. Air leaks: Are there air leaks coming from windows, doors, air conditioning vents, your attic and/or basement?
7. Thermostat: At what temperature to keep the thermostat? Every degree you raise the setting in summer, or lower it in winter, saves a lot of energy and expense! Statistics show, throwback: Thermostats are energy efficient, inexpensive to install (pay for themselves quickly), and therefore save money.
If we all do our small part, even gradually, we will make a big difference, for the better, in our environment, as well as save a lot of money. Will you participate in this valuable effort and endeavor?