As temperatures rise and resources on the planet grow scarcer, many homeowners strive to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle. Not only is sustainable living good for your health, but it can also be more cost-effective!
Add Insulation
Although insulation can be expensive, the investment can pay off in the long run. A home with correctly insulated walls and attics traps hot and cold air for much longer, reducing energy bills significantly.
Plant Trees
Some strategically placed trees can insulate your home in the winter. The shade from the trees will also lower your home’s temperature during the summer. Trees are also great for the environment —converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and hosting wildlife.
Use Sustainable Pest Control
When you upgrade the landscaping around your home, you may attract more pests like insects, mice, and rats. But don’t be discouraged. Plug the holes around your walls to close entry points. If you have a pest problem, contact a natural pest control company that uses sustainable methods to neutralize bugs and rodents. A green pest control company that uses using environmentally responsible methods is not only good at eliminating pests but also at preventing reinfestation.
Upgrade Your Windows
Investing in energy-efficient windows can also be good for the environment and reduce your energy bills. Such windows let in more light during the daytime and prevent heated and cooled air from escaping, lowering the strain on your HVAC system and minimizing your carbon footprint. While energy-efficient windows can be an expensive upgrade, they eventually pay for themselves.
If you don’t want to upgrade to energy-efficient windows, you can improve your current ones with some maintenance unless you have a bedroom without windows. Replace the window seals to ensure they trap heat better and prevent moisture.
Open Your Windows
Open your windows instead of using your air conditioning system to let in some fresh air and minimize your carbon footprint. Open several to create good air circulation within your house.
Buy ENERGY STAR Appliances
ENERGY STAR appliances are just like regular appliances but consume less energy. Products must meet a specific criterion to earn the ENERGY STAR rating from the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy.
While ENERGY STAR appliances used to be more expensive than regular appliances, they’re around the same price as regular ones and sometimes even cheaper. Invest in some to lower your energy consumption.
Invest in Solar Energy
You can use solar power at home to reduce your energy bills partially or completely. You will also lower your carbon footprint by utilizing solar energy. Here are some ways you can use solar power at home:
- Electricity
- Lighting
- Heating home
- Heating water
- Solar heater for shed
- Charging devices and batteries
- Cooking meals
- Drying clothes
Use Smarter Climate Control
A smart thermostat is an excellent way to manage the temperature in your home and reduce the load on your heating and air conditioning system. Smart thermostats use artificial intelligence to recognize the best heating and cooling patterns. You can also easily control your smart thermostat from a mobile device like a cellphone or a tablet.
Another step to living a more sustainable lifestyle is to buy more eco-friendly products and take recycling more seriously. Some small but meaningful footsteps can make your home more sustainable and reduce your cost of living too.
