Hacks for a Greener Home
It’s no secret that humans have been damaging the environment for years. From deforestation to plastic pollution, our impact on the planet has been devastating. However, there are ways we can each make a difference in our own lives. Here are some hacks for a greener home that will help you save money and reduce your environmental impact.
1. Get a Home Energy Audit Done
The first step to making your home more environmentally friendly is to find out where you could be wasting energy. An energy audit will help identify areas in your home where you could be losing energy, such as through leaks in your windows or doors. You can then take steps to fix these problems and save money (5-30%) on your energy bill monthly while also protecting the safety and health of your property.
Make sure you hire a qualified professional to conduct your home energy audit. This will ensure that the audit is accurate and that you receive the best recommendations for your home. You can find a qualified auditor through your local utility company or by searching online.
2. Switch to LED Bulbs
Switching to LED bulbs is one of the easiest ways to make your home more energy-efficient. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. This means that you’ll not only save money on your energy bill, but you’ll also have to replace your light bulbs less often.
You can find LED bulbs in various shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that will fit your needs. In addition, LED bulbs come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect bulb for your home.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a great way to make your home more energy-efficient. You can save money on your energy bill by pre-programming the thermostat to lower the temperature when you are away or asleep. In addition, a programmable thermostat can help to reduce your carbon footprint. By conserving energy, you can lower your emissions and help to protect the environment.
In fact, according to EPA figures, the average family can save up to $180 per year by making simple changes like installing a programmable thermostat. So, not only is a programmable thermostat good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the planet.
Remember, programmable thermostats are available for both central heating and cooling systems as well as individual room units. Make sure to choose a thermostat that is compatible with your home’s heating and cooling system.
4. Install Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while also generating your own electricity. Solar panels can be installed on your roof or in your backyard and will provide power to your home. In addition, by generating your own energy, you can help to reduce the amount of energy sourced from fossil fuels. This can help to lower your carbon footprint and protect the environment.
Solar panels can be expensive to install, but they are worth the investment. In addition, there are several tax credits and rebates available for homeowners who install solar panels. So, not only will you be helping the environment, but you may also receive a financial incentive to do so.
5. Drill a Private Well
In the United States, it is estimated that over 13 million homes consume water from private wells. You can reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies by drilling your own private well. In addition, by using a private well, you can help protect the environment by reducing the amount of energy used to pump and treat municipal water.
You can also use the water for irrigation. This will ensure that your lawn, trees, and flowers remain healthy. This is important because trees play an important role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Remember that you might need to filter and purify well water before using it. A number of techniques are used to achieve this, including reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, and continuous electrodeionization (CEDI). CEDI is frequently used as a component of larger ultrapure water systems.
There are a number of ways that you can make your home more energy-efficient. By making simple changes to your daily routine, you can save energy and money while also helping to protect the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Start making your home greener today.