Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Tips to Save You Money

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for the environment is no longer something shared among hardcore environmentalists. This issue has moved into the mainstream and a lot more people are interested in being more eco-friendly, for both the health of the planet and themselves. If you are looking to make some improvements to your home that will make it more ‘’green’’, there are lots of ways to go about this.

Look for Products with the Energy Star Label

Using products that conserve energy are not only good for the environment, they are good for your wallet. These products are top-quality, which means you will not be sacrificing features or performance. Products with the energy star label have been thoroughly vetted by the Environmental Protection agency. Products with this designation have been found to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful substances that result from inefficient energy use, and offer the same performance and features of conventional products. If they are more expensive than traditional products, the savings in utilities bills is expected to make up for more expensive price tag.

Insulate Your House

Properly insulating your house is a great way to cut down on energy use and another effective way to save money. Proper insulation will keep your house warmer in the cold months and cooler in the summer. Some simple, inexpensive tips include caulking and insulating pipes, sealing windows, sealing fireplaces when they are not in use and purchasing keyhole covers. You can also install energy efficient double pane windows, which may offer tax benefits. More costly tips include filling wall cavities and putting installation in lofts and attics; some states, however, offer funding to help with these sorts of projects in order to encourage more energy-efficient homes.

Programmable thermostats are also a great way to use energy more efficiently and keep electricity costs down. Ideally, you will keep your thermostat set to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.
Install Low-Flow Water Products

One of the best ways to go green and save some green is reducing water consumption—a major problem in most households. Some simple fixes, though, can drastically reduce water use and your water bill. Using low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets can cut water use and water bills by as much has half. While on the subject of water, stop putting off fixing those leaky faucets—at one drop per second, you are wasting up to 10 gallons of water a week.

Use LED Bulbs

Traditional light bulbs are extremely energy-inefficient. By switching to LED bulbs, you will not only be making a more eco-friendly choice, you will save lots of money over the long run. While these bulbs are more expensive to purchase, the fact that they last up to 10 years means you will be saving a lot of money in the long run.

Make Your Furnace More Efficient

Even if you have a top-notch furnace, there are always ways to make it work more efficiently. One of the easiest ways is making sure to keep the filters clean. Close off rooms you are not using; make sure the register and baseboards are clear. Keep drapes away from the vents and seal off the ducts if you have not done so already. If your furnace is over 20 years old, you should consider getting a new one, ideally with the Energy Star approval. Find a contractor experienced in installing energy-efficient heating systems; he can do an evaluation of your house and suggest the most appropriate heater for your needs.