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Simple Ways to GREEN Your Home
There are many easy things you can do to "Green" your home.
Programmable thermostats like this one can reduce energy use when no one is home.
These simple steps can help you increase energy efficiency, decrease utility bills, and provide healthier indoor air quality in your home.
1. Replacing outdated thermostats. New programmable thermostats can reduce energy wasted heating or cooling a house when no one is home or everyone's asleep. This will save you money and reduce the amount of energy your home uses.
2. Install ceiling fans. Since moving air tends to feel cooler, you can set your thermostat at a higher temperature in the summer months.
3. Replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's). CFL's use up to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer, according to Home Energy Saver.
4. Choosing energy-efficient appliances when buying new home appliances. Look for the EPA’s Energy Star designation.
5. Installing hot water jackets on your water heater. This will maintain the temperature in the water heater longer and reduce the cost of water heating dramatically.
6. Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. This will reduce the amount of water used in both the bathroom and kitchen, and can save you a bundle on your monthly water bill.
7. Adding a skylight or light tubes. Skylights and light tubes increase internal light without the need for electricity.
8. Installing natural floor coverings. Choose floor coverings that are made of renewable materials such as sisal, seagrass, bamboo, pure wool or coir (coconut). Nylon and acrylic carpets are petroleum based.
9. Installing motion sensors outside. With motion sensors turning lights on when they detected movement, you don’t have to waste power by leaving lights on constantly.
10. Replacing your windows and doors. Older windows and doors let out both heat and a/c. By upgrading windows and doors you can save a lot of money on your utility bills.
11. Choosing green paints. When decorating avoid standard acrylic paints or wallpaper, as they are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) based. Instead, opt for a natural plant-based paint or a low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint.
12. Using potted plants. Indoor potted plants add atmosphere, generate oxygen and help to eliminate potentially harmful volatile organic compounds.
Source: Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, Green Building Sourcebook, April 2005