The Best Ways To Green Up Your Home

“Going green” isn’t just a fad anymore. More individuals and businesses understand the importance of becoming more environmentally conscious, and the shift to “go green” fits into this environmentally conscious lifestyle. However, contrary to popular belief, “greening up your home” is neither as difficult, nor as expensive, as you might think. This blog post addresses some of our favorite green home ideas that are just as easy as they are inexpensive!

Tip #1: CFL’s

Replacing all of the bulbs in your home with Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) will not only last 10 times longer, it will save up to 75% on your energy bill. And if you’ve been disappointed with these lights in the past, no worries … lightbulb technology has come a long way in the past few years. Now there are more options than ever to get your light (and colors) just right.

Tip #2: Low or No VOC’s

Make sure that all of your paint, and similar paint-like products, have low or no VOC’s to keep the air inside your home cleaner. After all, nobody likes the smell of toxic paint … or any harsh chemical smell for that matter. The next time you’re updating your décor with a fresh color, be sure to choose a paint product that’s more environmentally friendly. And please dispose of your old paints and stains responsibly.

Tip #3: Energy Star Appliances

When you’re buying new appliances, look for the Energy Star logo. These appliances will save you up to 33% on your electricity bill, and can even earn you tax credits! Best of all, the latest appliances do way more than just keep your foods cold and wash your dishes. Smart home technologies feature all kinds of improvements!

Tip #4: Unplug It, Or Turn It Off When You’re Not Using It

You’d be surprised how much energy you use when you leave things like computers plugged in even though you’re not using them. This simple task will save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bill over the course of a year!

Tip #5: Fix Leaky Toilets and Faucets

This is a particularly annoying problem … dripping faucets and toilets that constantly run aren’t just wasteful problems, they’re loud! Most of the time, only minor adjustments are needed to solve these problems. With just a little extra effort, you can save hundreds of dollars in your water bill every year and countless gallons of water in the long run!

Tip #6: Opt For Renewable Energy

If solar or wind energy is an option, see about getting it installed in your home. While these are more costly on the front-end, they can reap big savings over many years. Additionally, these options will also earn you tax credits!

Tip #7: Make Your Own Cleaners

This isn’t as difficult as you think: Making your own cleaners from essential oils and vinegar is actually one of the easiest ways to keep the surfaces and air in your home cleaner. Eliminate those harsh chemical scents, and use products that are both child and pet-friendly.

Tip #8: Get A Home Energy Audit

With a home energy audit from a trained professional, you can see firsthand where your home is most inefficient energy-wise. Leaky windows and doors, drafty attic spaces, and even water damage can have a much greater impact on your home’s energy bills. An audit will quickly identify these problems, many of which are easy to fix and could save your hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

Tip #9 (our favorite!): Energy Efficient Windows and Doors

Obviously, we’ve saved the best for last! Energy efficient windows and doors are a must-have to maintain an environmentally-conscious home. Today’s windows and doors feature coated, gas-filled glass that can handle extreme temperatures and UV-rays much more efficiently than older wood windows. The newest fiberglass products are far more durable too, and will vastly improve your home’s curb appeal. New windows and doors are also a great selling feature, and will add value to your home. Ditch the older, drafty doors and windows, and invest in energy efficient ones to save both energy (in the short-term) and money (in the long-term).