Home Improvement Tips to Conserve Energy
While it may seem that nothing you can do can have a major impact on the health of the planet, in truth, there are a number of home improvements that can make your house a bit greener. These improvements range significantly in both difficulty and cost. Before you set about making any changes to your home, explore the things that you can do to make your changes Earth-friendly ones.
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Energy Star Lighting
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Making Eco-friendly home improvements does not have to be a pricey proposition. If you want to change your home for the better but aren't looking to invest a small fortune, simply switch out your current incandescent bulbs for Energy Star light bulbs. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports, these bulbs are 75 percent more efficient than their predecessors, which means that not only will you be doing your part to help the planet, but you will also likely see a dip in your electric bill.
Programmable Thermostat
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Instead of keeping your house at 72 degrees Fahrenheit day and night, install a programmable thermostat to continually raise and lower the temperature as needed. By trading your current thermostat for a programmable option, you can allow yourself to set the temperature to drop while you sleep and raise just before you crawl out of bed in the morning. You can also set the tool to allow the house to cool while you are at work but crank up the heat just before you arrive home to ensure that you don't enter a chilled house after your long day on the job.
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Window Upgrade
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If your windows seem to be letting the warm air out in the winter and the cold air escape in the summer, an upgrade is called for. By upgrading your windows to an energy-efficient option, you can not only help the planet but also reduce your energy bills and perhaps even earn yourself a tax credit. When replacing your current windows, seek panes that are Energy Star rated. Windows of this type are certified by the government as Eco-friendly and selecting them will likely ensure that your new windows allow you to look out but keep the heat and air conditioning inside where they belong.
Shower Head Replacement
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Swapping your standard shower head for a low-flow option reduces the water waste each time you take a shower. As The Daily Green reports, low-flow shower heads can reduce water consumption between 50 and 70 percent. In most cases, installing a new shower head is as easy as unscrewing the old one and attaching the new, making this home improvement project one that even the least handy of do it yourselfers can tackle with ease.
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