How to Make a House Green
You can reduce your energy bills and help the environment by making your home function more efficiently. It is possible to reduce the energy consumption of appliances as well as heating, lighting and cooling systems. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Less energy is required to heat or cool a house if the home is well-insulated. You can improve your comfort and save energy by adding blown-in insulation to walls that are not already insulated. You can weatherstrip and caulk leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, fireplaces, basements and attics.
-
2
Unplug. DVD players, TVs, cell phone chargers, computers and anything else that remains plugged in but not on is likely to draw power. If you use a power strip and switch off the power strip when you are finished using an item, you can save as much as 8% of your annual electric bill.
-
-
3
Consider replacing an older furnace with a high-efficiency system. Furnaces built before 1992 probably waste as much as 35% of the fuel used. A new furnace may save you as much as one fourth of your heating bill.
-
4
Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lamps(CFLs). Begin by replacing your 60 to 100 watt bulbs which are used several hours a day. Because the amount of use will affect how long it takes to recover your investment, it may not be wise to replace bulbs that are infrequently used. Task lighting is more efficient than turning on all the overhead lights. Motion detectors are good for halls and exterior light.
-
5
Program your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer and 62 degrees or lower in the winter. You can program the thermostat to lower temperatures when you are not at home or while you are sleeping.
-
6
Plant trees and shrubs around your home. Shade trees act as wind breaks and make your home more comfortable.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Take advantage of tax incentives.
Consider a professional audit.
Use low flow shower-heads and faucet aerators.
