The year is 2022 and the world is finally realizing the impact that humans have had on the environment. The good news is, it’s not too late to make a change! Homeowners are now more conscientious about the environment and want to find ways to make their homes eco-friendlier.
From installing commercial window film to investing in energy-efficient appliances, here are eight tips on how you can make your home more eco-friendly:
1. Do a home energy audit.
The first step to saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint is to find out where your home is wasting energy. You can do this by doing a home energy audit. Here are the ways you can conduct a home energy audit:
Check for air leaks.
A quick way to do this is to hold a lit incense stick near doors and windows. If the smoke wavers, that means there’s an air leak.
Inspect your insulation.
Go into your attic (or crawl space) and see if there’s enough insulation. If not, consider installing more.
Of course, you can also hire a professional energy auditor to do a more thorough job. Auditors usually use special equipment to check for air leaks and insulation problems.
2. Consider solar power.
Solar power is a great renewable energy source that can help you save on your energy bill, and it’s also eco-friendly.
Converting your home to solar power can be a big investment, but there are many incentives and tax breaks available to help offset the cost. Solar power is also a great way to generate your energy and be less reliant on the grid. To start, you can install solar panels on your roof or in your yard.
How much solar power do you need?
The average home uses about 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. One solar panel produces about 1 kWh per day, so you would need 10 panels to completely offset your energy usage.
Of course, this number will vary depending on your location, the amount of sunlight you get, and how much energy you use.
3. Install LED light bulbs.
LED light bulbs use around 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 25 times longer. So, if you’re still using old-fashioned light bulbs, it’s time to switch to LED!
Not only will you save energy and money, but you’ll also be doing your part for the environment. Switch out all the light bulbs in your home, and don’t forget the ones outside too.
How much can you save by switching to LED?
Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with an LED bulb can save you $30 over the life of the bulb. So, if you replace all the bulbs in your home, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars!
4. Consider installing commercial window film.
Consider installing commercial window film on your home windows. This type of film helps to reject solar heat, keeping your home cooler in the summer and reducing the strain on your air conditioner.
In the winter, it helps to keep heat from escaping through your windows. This can help you save on energy costs and make your home more eco-friendly.
What are the benefits of commercial window film?
Commercial window film has many benefits, including:
- Reducing solar heat gain by up to 80%
- Lowering energy costs by up to 30%
- Blocking harmful UV rays (protect your skin from the sun)
- Improving comfort by reducing hot spots and drafts
5. Use eco-friendly cleaning products.
Most commercial cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the air in your home and are bad for the environment. So, switch to eco-friendly cleaning products instead!
There are many eco-friendly cleaning products available, or you can even make your own. Here are some recipes for eco-friendly cleaning products:
- All-purpose cleaner:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Mix all ingredients together and store in a spray bottle. And if you don’t want to go the DIY route, there are plenty of eco-friendly cleaning products you can buy.
Watch out for greenwashing though – just because a product claims to be eco-friendly doesn’t always mean it is. Make sure to do your research before you buy anything. Check out overlooked energy-saving tips for more info!
6. Invest in eco-friendly appliances.
When it’s time to replace an old appliance, opt for an eco-friendly model. Eco-friendly appliances are those that are Energy Star certified. This means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Eco-friendly appliances use less energy, which saves you money on your energy bill and helps to protect the environment. Look for the Energy Star label when you’re shopping for a new appliance.
How much can you save with an eco-friendly appliance?
An Energy Star certified clothes washer uses around 50% less water and energy than a non-certified model. This can translate to savings of $100 per year on your energy bill. So, investing in an eco-friendly appliance can really pay off in the long run!
7. Add weatherstripping and caulk to seal air leaks.
As we mentioned before, air leaks can cause your home to lose heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. When this happens, your heating and cooling system have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, which wastes energy and drives up your utility bills.
How do you know if your home has air leaks?
A good way to check for air leaks is to hold a lit candle near doors and windows. If the flame flickers, that’s an indication of an air leak. Another way to check is to hold a piece of paper up to the door or window. Feel for a draft coming through.
If you find an air leak, seal it up with weatherstripping or caulk. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to make your home more eco-friendly and energy efficient.
8. Get a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat can help you save around 10% on your energy bill, according to the US Department of Energy. That’s because you can set it to automatically lower the temperature when you’re not home and raise it again when you are.
This way, you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling an empty house. And some newer models even have features that allow you to control them from your smartphone. So, if you forget to adjust the temperature before you leave for work, you can do it remotely!
FAQs
Q: What are some eco-friendly building materials?
A: Some eco-friendly building materials include bamboo, recycled glass, wool insulation, and cork flooring. If you’re looking to build or renovate eco-friendly, make sure to do your research and choose sustainable materials.
Q: What is greenwashing?
A: Greenwashing is when a company makes false claims about its products being eco-friendly. So, even though a product may say it’s eco-friendly, it might not be. Do your research before you buy anything to make sure it’s truly eco-friendly.
Q: How can I save energy in my car?
A: Tint your windows with automotive tinting, park in the shade, and get regular tune-ups to keep your car running efficiently. You can also opt for eco-friendly tires, which are designed to reduce rolling resistance. This helps improve fuel economy!
Q: What is a green building?
A: Green building is the practice of designing and constructing buildings with sustainable methods that minimize the negative environmental impact of the construction and operation of the building. Green buildings are eco-friendly and use resources like energy, water, and materials more efficiently.
What are some eco-friendly building materials?
Some eco-friendly building materials include bamboo, recycled glass, wool insulation, and cork flooring. If you’re looking to build or renovate eco-friendly, make sure to do your research and choose sustainable materials.
What is greenwashing?
Greenwashing is when a company makes false claims about its products being eco-friendly. So, even though a product may say it’s eco-friendly, it might not be. Do your research before you buy anything to make sure it’s truly eco-friendly.
How can I save energy in my car?
Tint your windows with automotive tinting, park in the shade, and get regular tune-ups to keep your car running efficiently. You can also opt for eco-friendly tires, which are designed to reduce rolling resistance. This helps improve fuel economy!
What is a green building?
Green building is the practice of designing and constructing buildings with sustainable methods that minimize the negative environmental impact of the construction and operation of the building. Green buildings are eco-friendly and use resources like energy, water, and materials more efficiently.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of ways to make your home more eco-friendly. By making some simple changes, you can save energy, and money, and help the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Start making your home more eco-friendly today!
