Has your electric bill been steadily increasing? If so, you might be a little annoyed. And you could feel a bit guilty about your growing carbon footprint.
So how can you lower costs and do your part to help the environment? Thankfully, it’s easy to go green (and save) with any — or all — of these six steps:
1. Opt for energy-efficient appliances.
When it’s time to buy new appliances for your home, look for ones that feature the Energy Star logo. These products have been certified for energy efficiency.
2. Choose vintage or secondhand furniture.
Buying new isn’t always necessary. Consider going shopping for vintage furniture. Clean, used furniture is an earth-friendly and thrifty alternative.
3. Plant trees and shrubs for shade.
A tree’s shade can reduce your home’s temperature, cutting air-conditioning costs by 15 to 50%. Trees will also help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
4. Replace your incandescent bulbs.
LED light bulbs use 75% less energy than their tungsten counterparts. By replacing your incandescent lights with LEDs, you’ll reduce your yearly landfill waste by using fewer bulbs and trim your electric bill.
5. Install water-saving amenities.
Toilets and showerheads account for nearly half of the average home’s water consumption. Installing efficient appliances can help decrease how many gallons of water you use annually and lower your water bill.
6. Use a smart thermostat.
Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature in your home even when you’re not there. And some can learn from your daily habits to automatically adjust themselves, limiting your energy usage.
Want to take the next step in going green? Have other questions about your house? Please reach out. We’re happy to help.
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