Ten Great Ideas to go Green in the Home
Going green doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to revamp your abode into a tree house. There are ways of living eco-friendly and helping to save the environment even on a tight budget. The smallest of changes can be made that will have a huge impact on the environment, yet won’t break the bank. There’s no better time to start to go green then now. The following are the top 10 tips on how to go green without forfeiting comfort:
1. Energy Efficient Light Bulbs:
Companies located in the UK have substituted the common incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb that is energy efficient. Energy saving light bulbs last much longer, come in various sizes and are brighter. They also can save the consumer approximately £2.50 per light bulb a year when replaced throughout your house.
2. Save on Heating Expenses:
When the cold weather arrives, you want your house to be warm and cosy indoors. If a home is poorly insulated it can lose a majority of its heat through the walls and roof. An excellent way to save on energy and lower your heating bills would be to replace old insulation with new.
3. Reduce the Use of Tumble Drying:
Tumble dryers use an exorbitant amount of electricity and can be a hindrance to energy saving. To see a generous reduction in your electrical bills, try hanging your laundry outdoors and letting them air dry via a clothesline.
4. Attach Aerators to your Taps:
Put a stop to your hard earned cash going down the drain by attaching aerators to your taps. These wonderful energy efficient gadgets help you to reduce your water bill by mixing the flow of water with air, which allows your taps to have a fuller flow with less water usage. Replace your old taps with new ones that come equipped with an aerator. If you want to save additional money, try replacing your average toilet with a low flow one that uses less water every time you flush.
5. Solar Panels:
To reduce your electric costs attach energy efficient solar panels to your home. The way solar panels work is by harnessing the energy of the sun and recalibrating it into electricity. Solar panels can be quite costly, so before you invest in them, weigh the possible savings.
6. Seal Your Home:
Cold air circulating throughout your house is a sure way to increase your energy costs. Seal any drafts where you notice air entering your home like through doors, windows, baseboards and vents. The supplies to take care of this project can be found at most Do-It-Yourself stores.
7. Double Glazing Windows:
To help reduce your heating costs provide your home with double glazing. Double glazing is two layer glass windows that have a spacer in between the panes that are sealed together permanently which will in turn trap the heat inside your house.
8. Motion Sensor Light Bulbs:
It’s simple to get in the habit of forgetting to turn off the lights when leaving a room which can result in unnecessary energy use and high electrical costs. However, by changing to motion sensor light bulbs, you can see additional savings on your energy bills. Motion sensor light bulbs work by detecting when nobody is in the room and automatically turning off after a specific amount of time.
9. Composting:
A great way to help save the environment is by composting table scraps and discarded food. You can purchase a recycling container for vegetables and fruits that have reached their prime, along with foods that can no longer be eaten. The organic waste can then be used as compost throughout your garden.
10. Collect Rain Water:
Yearly, there is a vast amount of rain in the UK and US. Instead of being irritated by the inclement weather, the rain can be used to your advantage by helping to save the environment and reducing your water bill. Water can be collected in a barrel or water butt that fits to your outside drainpipe. When you see that the water butt is full, reuse the rain water and water your garden.
By implementing a few changes, you will help save the environment while keeping your energy costs down. Search online for more savings and search for a Carbon Footprint Calculator.
Improving Your Energy Performance Certificate When Selling Your Home
Currently in the UK, it’s legally required when letting or selling your house to have an energy performance certificate (EPC) for the dwelling to determine its energy efficiency. By following these easy steps, you’re on the road to a better EPC rating. If you’re thinking about letting or selling your house or are interested in an EPC provider, check out My Online Estate Agent for help on selecting the best one.
Written by Firespin Jay an Eco Enthusiast and Online Property Guru.