7 Home Energy Efficiency Tips!
Buying a new home is an exciting venture, though it might seem daunting for those looking to have the least impact on our planet. Often older homes need retrofitting to become more energy efficient, but even new homes can benefit from simple tweaks to make your home cleaner and greener (and save you money). Below we’ve shared some of our favorite green living tips for homeowners new and old to make homes more efficient and healthier for all the residents.
If you are looking to buy a new home, Point 2 Homes can help you find your dream listing. Point2 Homes can help you find houses or condos for sale or rent in hundreds of locations across the United States. Whether you are looking in Honolulu (I can dream!) or Detroit (my hometown), you can find hundreds of listings on their site. And if you are an agent looking to improve your business, Point2 offers a comprehensive toolkit to help you find the best homes for your client.
7 Home Energy Efficiency Tips
1. Choose water saving devices for your shower. There are many options for owners and renters to decrease their water usage. There are many showerheads and aerators available that do not affect the look and feel of the shower or sinks, but can make a huge difference in your water usage and eventual water bill. Read more about water saving devices for shower and sink here.
2. Choose home goods that are sustainably sourced and eco-friendly. Many companies now are creating functional and beautiful home goods that are better for the people and the planet. Home goods made from bamboo, hemp, natural woods and other natural fibers are increasingly available and becoming less expensive as they become more popular. It’s also important to find less toxic paints and wall coverings for all rooms in the house. Learn more about sustainable kitchen goods,healthy options for your bedroom and natural paint options.
3. Opt for natural flooring in your home. Whether you are building new or renovating an older home, there are many options for natural flooring. Bamboo, hardwood and natural fibers make sustainable, beautiful additions to your home. You can also look at natural fibers like jute, cotton and wool for rugs and carpeting.
4. Integrate home automation to save energy and money: Home automation is an easy way to make sure that your home is the most efficient. With a home automation set up you can control the temperature in your home, make sure lights are turned off automatically and make sure your security system is set. Most companies offer ways to track this on your smartphone!
5. Start a garden! Not only is eating local food healthy and delicious, it makes your home beautiful. A home garden can be as simple as some flowers in the yard or in a outdoor setting, but you can also look at creating a kitchen garden to harvest fresh veggies everyday.
6. Choose energy efficient windows: Choosing (or upgrading) windows in your home is one of the easiest ways to save electricity. Properly insulated and covered windows will let heat in when needed and keep it in as you like. There are many options for window coverings and various brands make very efficient window panes to keep your energy bill as low as possible.
7. Solar panels for your roof! Of course, solar panels are one of the best ways to cut costs, even if you live in a cloudy climate. Even a small solar water heating system can save hundreds of dollars each year, as water heating expenses make up a huge percentage of your heating bill! There are hundreds of companies in the field, so be sure to find a reputable dealer in your neighborhood. Click here to find solar discounts in your area.
Green Living Ideas would like to thank Point2Homes for sponsoring this post. Green home image from Shutterstock.