5 Ways to Turn Your House Into An Eco-Friendly Home
Are you excited to start work on your home? If the property hasn’t been certified by an environmental agency, it is important to have an inspection done. The inspection will help you create a plan of action for your home; for example, you’ll know ahead of time if you need to replace the wiring or work on the plumbing.
You can certainly do an inspection yourself. However, it is also a good idea to bring in a few professionals to help. For example, have an energy efficient audit completed to figure out which areas you should target.
To ensure that your home is as eco-friendly as possible, utilize the following tips.
- Make Sure Leaks Are Sealed
Energy efficiency goes up substantially if your house is sealed. Doing so means that you don’t lose cool air or heat, and the savings per month can really add up. In addition, check to ensure that there are no water leaks either.
Target your window and doors first. Then take a look at your ducts and ventilation. High and low areas of the house should be examined, including any attics or basements. Finally, take a look at the insulation as well. If you find a door or window leak, spray foam and caulk can come in handy.
- Put In New Windows And Doors
A lot has changed in the past few years, and windows and doors are made differently now. They are much more energy efficient, which is why replacing them just makes sense. Look for windows with double panes, for example. You’ll likely qualify for a tax deduction and you’ll save money on your power bill each month as well.
- Switch Out Appliances
Like windows and doors, the appliances that are out now are much more energy efficient than those that were manufactured even a few years ago. Don’t forget about your air conditioning unit and heater either. While these items certainly cost money upfront, they make a big difference over time. You’ll see a change in your monthly energy bill. For further savings compare energy prices online.
- Include Plants
Plants are wonderful. They help us feel better and they make a difference in the quality of the air. Plants are a source of oxygen and they help to filter the air that you breathe each day. Not only are they important to have inside, but plants make a big difference outside as well. They look great, provide shade, and can even make you money if you are interested in doing a little farming at your home.
- Utilize Renewable Energy
Energy doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It doesn’t have to negatively impact the environment either. There are now alternative sources of energy available that don’t involve using fossil fuels. For example, solar panels help you harness the energy from the sun to power lights and much more. Both the water and the wind can also be utilized to provide power, as can the energy from the ground. And, the best part is that these energy sources are renewable, which means you can use them over and over again.
To be as eco-friendly as possible, you don’t want to use up resources or energy. The more you save, the more green you are. Do your best to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and take the tips in this article to heart.