When people think about energy efficiency, the first thing that comes to mind is usually their appliances. However, energy efficiency is a lot more than the Energy Star rating on your dishwasher. As a matter of fact, there many things that we can do to reduce energy consumption. Creating a healthier green home is as easy as following the tips below.
Maintain your HVAC Unit
The largest energy-consuming product in your home is your heating and air conditioning units. If you’re like most people, you see it as a necessity since it warms your home in the winter and keeps you cool when it’s sweltering outside. But did you know that if it’s not properly maintained, not only will it malfunction, but it can significantly increase your monthly bill? Thankfully, keeping your HVAC unit clean will solve both of these problems.
Lightbulbs and Timers
Compact fluorescent light bulbs use only a quarter of the electricity that regular incandescent bulbs do, so making the switch is worth the money. In addition, make a note to turn off lights when you aren’t in the room. Installing automatic timers on lights that are usually left blazing will also save both energy and money and keep you from having to remind the kids to turn them off.
Build for a Greener Tomorrow
If you’re currently planning to build a new home, there are a few green home building ideas you might want to keep in mind. From chemical projects to plastic bags, everyone is trying to come up with new ways to go green. And while there are a number of ways in which to do so, professionals, like those at David James Custom Homes, know that transforming your home is the best place to start. If you’re not sure where to start, having some helpful tips at your disposal can get the process started.
Small Scale
No matter how green you design a large home, smaller homes with the same eco-friendly construction and energy-efficient appliances will produce smaller environmental impact. This doesn’t mean you need to restrict yourself to building a cottage built for two, but you should be mindful of how you utilize the space. Plan your home design around your lifestyle. Think about the actual square footage as an investment; put it where you want it most as opposed to expanding out in every direction.
Roof Basics
What’s on the outside is just as important as what is on the inside. The material you use on your roof will make a huge difference in your home’s energy efficiency. You might want to consider using a product that reflects the sun away from your roof, cools down faster at night and retains less heat for shorter periods of time to reduce energy costs. Terra cotta, slate and white tiles are a few examples of roofing products currently available with varying levels of green benefits.
Soaring energy costs and global warming are always front-page news, but you can do your part and become eco-friendly. Simple lifestyle changes will help keep your family healthy and conserve natural resources. From chemical projects to plastic bags, everyone is trying to come up with new ways to go green. And while there are a number of ways in which to do so, transforming your home is the best place to start.
