Our Guest Author today: Jenny Weeks
Maintaining a home is certainly not cheap, especially if you own a large house. There are simple ways you can create a cozy home that will save you money and protect the environment. Green living is becoming more popular in the US since it promotes eco-friendly habits and a simpler lifestyle. When it comes to your home, “going green” is a good way to save money, produce less carbon, and use less electricity. Take a look at the 6 simple ways a green home can save you money.
Increase the energy efficiency
One of
the most important (and most obvious) ways to go green in your home is to use
less electricity. There are plenty of ways to do it, and most of them don’t
even require buying new appliances. Here are some examples of how you can
increase energy efficiency in your home:
Use AC less
frequently. Letting
more sunlight into the room will provide heat during winter, while shades will
keep your home cooler during the hot summer months.
Avoid laundry
drying machine. By
hanging your wet clothes on a rack, you will avoid using the dryer up to 15
times a month. This process will increase energy efficiency and help you go
green.
Use programs for
cold washing. No
matter which type of clothes it is, a cold-washing program will protect the
fabrics better. The washing machine uses a lot of energy to heat the water.
Washing most of your clothes on cold-washing programs can be a good idea.
Use washable
cloths instead of paper towels. We are all used to drying our hands with paper towels or
using them like napkins. However, washable cloths will prevent throwing away a
lot of paper which is always a better solution for our environment.
·
Modern home lighting
systems in a green home can save you money.
Install proper insulation
One of
the best ways a green home can save you money is proper insulation. The inner
and outer walls of your home determine how fast it will cool down or warm up. Without sufficient insulation, your home
can lose almost a third of its heat during the winter months. To avoid fast
temperature changes, you can inspect the walls in your home and fill in any
gaps. Make sure to draught-proof your windows and doors, and install
proper ventilation in rooms if necessary.
Energy-efficient windows in a green home can save you money
A big
part of insulating your home from cold and heat is installing quality windows
in every room. Green homes are famous for
energy-efficient windows that can save money in the long run. For example,
installing floor-to-ceiling windows will bring more sunlight into
your home during the cold winter months. This will further require less heating
and reduce the amount of electricity you use.
Consider Energy Star certified appliances
Choosing the right home appliances can take a lot of time, especially if you don’t know what to look for. If you want to live in a green home that will save you money, you should invest in energy star-certified appliances. These could be more expensive than regular ones, but having them in your home will be beneficial in many ways. Modern home appliances are built to save electricity and lower the amount of carbon pollution. So, if you are planning to renovate your kitchen or remodel your bathroom, consider installing appliances that will save energy and reduce your electricity bills.
Consider buying energy-efficient appliances for your home.
Use products from recycled materials
This is another simple way your green home can save you
money. Instead of buying new cleaning products and different accessories, you
can make them yourself by recycling. Here are some examples:
Use old toothbrushes
for cleaning
instead of buying various abrasive cleaning products.
Plastic straws are
great for organizing cables –
this life hack is perfect for organizing home office and TV cables.
Use plastic
bottles for storing food and spices. All you need to do is recycle plastic bottles and use them for
grain food like rice, beans, etc.
Turn shoeboxes into file organizers – You can find a new use for any cardboard box you want to throw away.
Reduce maintenance expenses
If you are not a first-time homeowner, you are probably
familiar with the expenses of maintaining a home. A few simple repairs on your home will help you avoid high maintenance
costs. If you are buying a new home, make sure to inspect the plumbing and
the electrical systems. If they are old and need repair, consider doing it
before moving in. Faulty wiring, cracked walls, and old electricity systems
will only take more money out of your pocket.
Another good your green home can save you money is by
installing energy-efficient lighting. LED bulbs are known for being
energy-efficient, and they last longer than regular light bulbs. Modern
lighting in your home does not only look better but is also eco-friendly.
How to organize a green relocation?
Verified Movers suggest that planning the relocation should be your first step if you have already found your new green home in San Antonio. Before you start packing the boxes, you can check out helpful websites and learn more about planning a stress-free move. No matter how big or small your relocation is, it’s always easier to let professionals handle the hard part of this process. If you want to plan an environmentally-friendly move, there are plenty of experts who can help you do it.
Try recycling and finding a new purpose for old plastic bottles in your home.
A green relocation implies a few simple actions that are good for our environment. The overall point is to create less garbage and waste during this process. When looking for professional movers in San Antonio, make sure to check out companies that offer eco-friendly moving services. These companies provide expert assistance and provide eco-friendly packing materials. If you declutter, sell or donate unnecessary items, you will save space in your new home and produce less waste. In the end, a green relocation is a great way to prepare for living in a green home and think about the well-being of our environment.
Final thoughts
Author bio: Jenny Weeks is a blogger with a passion for design and sustainability. She loves advising others on how to help save the planet.
Photos:
https://unsplash.com/photos/0tKCSyLXqQM
https://unsplash.com/photos/mFnbFaCIu1I
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