We’ve all been inundated with the negative impact we have made on the internet and of course the underlining message that we need to change our ways. So why not make some simple changes to make your home eco-friendly and save money at the same time? Your conscious will rest easy and you could benefit from some extra spending cash.
So here’s a couple of change to greenify your home:
Location
If you are looking for a property then keep these tips in mind before you buy. Avoid properties that are facing west. This will keep your home cooler with less sun exposure thus saving in heating.
Find out if the property you want to buy is in an environmentally sensitive area where there could be an earthquake or flooding and try to avoid these properties. Then check to see if transportation is within a reasonable distance to the property. This will help alleviate greenhouse gas emissions from traveling in a car.
Get the Gadgets
You can find environmentally friendly alternatives to pretty much every fixture you would need in your home. A great place to start is by switching all of your light bulbs to LED lights. Also keep an eye out for ENERGY STAR labels. Equipment with this label have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as energy efficient products.
Solar
Solar panels do require initials fees but once they are installed they will be very cost effective. They are a clean and renewable source of energy that utilizes the suns power. Check out government grants and tax breaks when you get solar panels it may be worth it!
Homeowners report savings of 50% to 90% on their energy bills when they install solar panels.
Windows
Once again check out some windows with that ENERGY STAR label. Keep in mind the lower the rating, the more energy efficient the window is. The window will pay for itself with the amount of energy it saves.
Faucets
Switching your faucets to be low flowing is another way to become eco-friendly and save some extra money. Showers, toilets, and faucets should all be replaced to see a cost benefit.
Programmable Thermostat
So you have a property that doesn’t absorb heat, but there’s another way to manage the temperate of your house well – your thermostat. The heating and cooling of your home takes about 50% of your energy resources. The easiest way to manage over half of your energy consumption is to get a programmable thermostat.
Quick tip: You can save 3-5% on your energy bill if you set your thermostat 1 degree down in the winter and 1 degree up in the summer.
Landscaping
Try to choose plants that don’t consumer enormous amount of water. Consider switch to succulents, which are trending plants for 2016. Also think about planting trees on the southern and western side of your home to block out the sun.
HVAC System
Think about installing a ENERGY STAR labeled HVAC system to get more pocket change. When you install an energy efficient HVAC make sure ducts are short and air tight. Your system should be tested to make sure it has less than 10% leakage.
Recycle
Instead of going to buy something you need consider reusing what you have available.
Insulation
Insulation can dramatically benefit the 50% of your energy that goes toward heating and cooling. Air leaks around windows or doors in your home is using the cause of heat loos in your home.
Start with these 10 steps to make your property efficient both monetarily and environmentally.
Contact SOS Management & Property Services
Local: (858) 273-8800
