We all want to do our best to lessen our carbon footprint, but we can’t all build new, energy efficient homes. If you live in an older home and would like to make it more eco-friendly without spending a lot of money here are some great tips for an energy efficient home.
Easy Things to Make Your Home More Eco Friendly
Replace Incandescent Lightbulbs
You can save up to 65% more energy by replacing your old incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs or Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs, you know, the spiral looking lightbulb. Just swapping out one can save up to 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
Open and Close the Blinds
Open the blinds or drapes during the day to let in the sunlight, close them at night to retain the warmth generated by the sun or furnace in the winter and to retain the cool air of the A/C at night during the summer months.
Fix the Leaks
Whether you have a leaky faucet or a drafty window, they’re both losing your energy and money. Repair the leaks and you’ll save on utility costs each month.
Recycle
Most cities have made it so easy to recycle – by picking up recycled waste weekly and with no need to sort anymore – there is no excuse not to. You can save on your waste disposal costs by recycling items that are recyclable.
Upcycle
Reusing items or upcycling them by making use of them for a new purpose can save you as well. Turn a worn out, but beloved t-shirt into a lovely shopping bag that fits easily into your purse, or turn those empty wine bottles into works of art, decorate lighting or really just about anything. Click here for hundreds of great upcycling ideas.
Use the Dishwasher
A dishwasher not only saves time, but if run full it will save energy which saves you money. Today’s machines don’t require rinsing so you can save even more time and water. Same goes for the washing machine. Both machines use less energy and water than washing the items by hand so plan accordingly. Run the dishwasher at night when less energy is used during high energy times. Wash clothing on a specific day of the week so that you have several full loads to do.
Use Houseplants
Houseplants improve the air in your home and add much needed moisture in winter months. If you have pets be sure to plant only non toxic plants in your home.
Bamboo
Bamboo is the wonder textile. It grows fast so is incredibly sustainable, it’s durable and it looks fantastic. Bamboo flooring has been trending for a few years now and doesn’t look to be going anywhere.
Close the Door
Your father was right, you were not born in a barn, close the door. Whether summer or winter, when you hold the door open it will let in un conditioned air which will either raise the temperature the A/C has worked so hard to lower, or it will lower the temperature the furnace has worked so hard to raise. If you have pets consider installing a pet door which will allow them to come and go as they please but also reduce the amount of surface area that is open.
Low Flow Toilets
Installing a low flow toilet can save upwards or 30% of your home’s indoor water usage. If you live in an older home you could be using up to 7 gallons per flush. Today’s new toilets only use 1.6 gallons of water per flush. That’s a huge savings for a very simple fix.
Cloth Instead of Paper
Use cloth napkins and towels in place of their paper counterparts.
Energy Star when you Upgrade
As older appliances wear out or break down consider replacing them with Energy Star approved appliances. They may cost a bit more up front, but they will save you much in the long run.