Do you want to make your home more eco-friendly and also want to save money? Making your home more ecological is a great way to reduce your impact on the planet and save money on your energy bills. But one of the bonuses of going green is that there are simple things you can do to make your home more eco-friendly that will save you anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000 according to the United States Department of Energy (DOE).
Here are 5 tips to get you started:
Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.
Yup, it’s that easy, you can choose this energy-efficient lightbulb. Energy-efficient light bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs. This will save you money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. The amount of money you can save by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs depends on many factors, including the type of light bulb you use, the number of light bulbs that are in your home, and the energy rates in your area. However, you can expect to save between 25% and 75% on your energy bills by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs.
Unplug electronics when they’re not in use.
Even when electronic devices are turned off, many continue to draw power, which is called “phantom load” or “vampire load.” This load can account for up to 10% of a household’s energy consumption. Therefore, unplugging electronics when they are not being used can save you money on your energy bills. For example, if you unplug your TV you can save you up to $130 per year while unplugging your phone charger can save you up to $20 per year and doing the same with your computer can save you up to $100 per year. These savings may not seem like a lot, but when added up over time you could save $250 per year.
Seal up air leaks.
The average American home has about 90 air leaks. Air leaks around windows and doors can let in cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer. This can increase your energy bills by up to 30%. Sealing up air leaks can save you money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. To seal up air leaks you can caulk or weatherstrip around windows and doors, install weatherstripping around electrical outlets and switches, and seal up any cracks or gaps in the walls, ceiling and floors. Sealing up air leaks can save the average homeowner between $100 and $200 per year on their energy bills. And if savings aren’t enough of a perk, sealing up air leaks can also make your home more comfortable by reducing drafts and noise.
Install a programmable thermostat.
When you’re asleep or away from home either at work or out of town, you don’t need to keep your thermostat set to the same temperature as when you’re home and awake. A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bills by automatically adjusting the temperature of your home. According to the DOE, programmable thermostats can save homeowners an average of 10-15% on their heating and cooling costs. These devices will automatically lower the temperature in your home at night and raise it back in the morning or when you’re expected to return home.
This smart feature will save you money on your energy bills without sacrificing your comfort. There are many different programmable thermostats on the market, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget. Some programmable thermostats have features that allow you to control the temperature of your home from your smartphone or tablet, even when you’re not home.
Wash your clothes in cold water and hang them to dry outside.
Most of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating the water. Washing your clothes in cold water can save you money on your energy bills and still get your clothes clean. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), washing clothes in cold water can save up to 90% of the energy used to wash clothes in hot water.
And on the other hand, using a dryer uses a lot of energy. The average dryer uses about six kWh of energy per load. This can add up to a significant amount of energy usage for a year. Hanging your clothes to dry uses no energy and can help you save money on your electricity bills. In addition to saving money, hanging your clothes dry can also be better for the environment. Dryers emit harmful pollutants into the air, including greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Therefore, hanging your clothes to dry can help reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment. Other benefits of washing your clothes with cold water and hang drying them include having your clothes last longer as they will wear out less and they will smell better since clothes that are dried in the sun have a fresh, clean smell.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to make your home more eco-friendly and save money. By making small changes, you can make a big difference for the environment and your wallet. These are just a few of my favorite tips for making your home more ecological and saving money. With a little effort, you can make a big difference for the planet and your pocketbook. So, what are you waiting for? Start saving money by making your home more eco-friendly today!