Looking to create an energy smart home this year? Here are 20 environmentally friendly home improvement projects you can do.
1. Install Solar Panels – They provide heat with no moving parts to replace and use no fuel.
2. Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescent bulbs – They use 70-75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer.
3. Roof Improvements – Research has proven that the color of your roof and the material used can lower the attic temperature. Light color tile roofs outperform shingles for lowering the temperature.
4. Use motion detectors outside instead of outdoor lighting -They save energy and keep the area well lit.
5. Save water – Make sure there are no leaks in any faucets. Use cold water to wash clothes. Do laundry less frequently.
6.Use low flow shower heads- They cut down on water usage and save energy.
7. Create a composte pile in your backyard – Add food waste to dirt and turn over weekly.
8. Istall aluminum-clad storm doors- They are energy efficient and insulate entry ways.
9. Invest in a high efficiency HVAC system that is Energy Star certified – It will reduce Green House Gasses and reduce your utility bill. Also look for the highest SEEER you can get.
10. Clean & replace air conditioner filters regularly.
11. Buy an automated thermostat – It saves 3% of your heating cost for every degree you lower the thermostat in the winter and up to 6% for every degree you raise it in the summer.
12. Install glass doors on your fire place – They will reduce the amount of heeat that escapes through the chiminey.
13. Use power strips for computers – They prevent power from being wasted.
14. Install exhaust and ceiling fans - They will reduce dependency on air conditioning in the summer and push heat down from the ceiling in the winter.
15. Do an energy audit on your house and get things up to Green Par.
16. Insulate your doors and windows – This is the key when it comes to conserving your homes energy.
17. Always think of the 3 R’s Refuse, Reuse & Recycle when you are buying or disgarding anything.
18. Stop leaks – You need to tighten, insulate, replace and caulk to make your house watertight.
19. Insulate your water heater – Water heaters are on all the time, so by adding insulation can save enrgy and can reduce the cost of heating the water by 15%.
20. Consider tinting your windows to reduce the glare of the sun – It can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. It also reduces 99% of damaging ultraviolet rays.
