Green Technologies for Your Home
There are a number of DIY projects that can be done for a greener home that can be quick and relatively inexpensive. I would touch base on some of the simple ones that just about anyone on any budget can do on their own. By using these simple projects and tips, you can save money on your utilities as well as helping our environment.
- Weather stripping – by applying weather stripping circulating around doors and windows, it is estimated that one can save up to 30% on heating and cooling bills. Weather stripping can come in a variety of styles and sizes.
- Insulated pads – these types of pads are used around doors and outlets to prevent drafts. Safety is always first; therefore you should always ensure that the circuit breaker is off prior to taking the cover off, inserting pads or such to prevent electrocution.
- Water savings – one easy trick is to simply add a 2 liter bottle filled with water to the tank in your toilet. By doing this, you will displace the water in the tank which will only allow the tank to fill to a certain point this will in turn decrease the amount of water used upon flushing.
- Replace all light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs or florescent lighting which uses roughly about 75% less energy to run or turn on.
- Caulk – use silicone caulk to fill spaces and gaps between windows and door frames on the outside of your home. Decreases drafts and unwanted critters.
- Finally, consider replacing portions of your lawn with a ground covering which requires no watering or mowing. This also will reduce your energy and water usage which will save you money as well.
These short but few simple tactics can help decrease energy costs as well as keeping your home environmentally friendly. There are many other useful hints we can all implement such as adding energy efficient thermostats, solar panels to heat our home and water as well as many others leaving us with more money in our pockets to enjoy some of life’s pleasures.
