What could not be great about saving money while saving the environment? This is exactly what going green around your home could do for you. You will have to invest in some changes, but these upgrades will pay for themselves sooner than you might think. Read on to find some of the best ways to start saving the environment and saving some money.
When you think about the appliances in your home, think about how much money you are throwing away each month if they are not Energy Star certified. Energy Star certified appliances are rated on an energy consumption chart. They will use far less electricity, gas and water to operate. Look into the refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, washers and dryers available for you.
When you are doing your laundry during the warm months of the year, opt for line drying your clothes. Even with an energy efficient dryer, it will save you in energy consumption each month. It may require a little more effort on your part, but having the fresh air and sunlight drying your clothes is great for your wallet and for the environment.
Solar panels and wind turbines could help you lower your usage each month. These are becoming more common on homes all over the country. Contact a professional company if you are considering having either of these installed as the placement of them will determine how effective they are in producing energy for your home.
One change you can make around your home that is not going to cost you a single cent is to unplug any unused appliances and electronics. These items are consuming electricity each minute that they are plugged into the wall. It may not seem like a lot of electricity, but if you think about the fact that they are drawing power every minute of every day, you will quickly realize that it adds up for the year.
How dated is your home’s heating and cooling system? If it is more than ten years old, you may want to consider upgrading. Technology has come a long way in recent years and the HVAC systems on the market require far less energy to heat and cool the home. You could notice a serious drop in your heating and cooling costs if you invest in a new system for your home.
Consider insulation to go along with your new heating and cooling system. There is really no point in putting in a better heating and cooling system if you are going to lose all of your heat and cool air right out the attic and around the windows. If you are unsure if you are losing air from the home, you can hire a professional to come to your house and run a test to find any air leaks in your home. They can pinpoint exactly where the air is getting out and offer you suggestions as to how to make it air tight.
Use the tips learned here and begin making changes around your home. You will save yourself some green and save the environment as well.