When you decide to go green, the possibilities become endless. Modern homeowners are not only aware that green living starts at home and doing their bit to save the planet….going green allows you to save valuable dollars at the same time!
Green properties have also been on the radar for a long time now…so if you’re in the market to sell your home, it should interest you to know that green properties sell faster…and for significantly more!
Go Green and Save
If you want to do your bit for the environment and embrace green living at the same time, why not try some of the following tips to help you limit your energy usage so that you can keep your energy bills to a minimum.
1. Replace old light bulbs
For a small investment, you can save hundreds of dollars by replacing your old light bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent lights, also called CFLs. You can also opt for LED light. Both of these have their advantages, and it comes down to personal preference. You don’t have to change all of them at once, but once you do, they might last as long as 10 years!
2. Unplug everything
When you’re not using an appliance or other electronics, they may still be using up valuable electricity.
Just by being plugged in, DVD players, modems, computers, and a wide array of other comforts we have in our homes all use unnecessary electricity when they remain plugged in after being used.
As for your phone, once that light goes green, you’re wasting electricity.
If you take a few seconds every time just to unplug your electronics once they’re no longer being used, you could save yourself hundreds, if not thousands of dollars over time.
3. Buy energy-efficient products
Many of the modern appliances, electronics, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and more available on today’s market come with an energy-efficient rating. These may come at a higher price tag compared to standard products, but the savings will be worth it over time. Always look for the Energy Star rating if you want to invest in a green lifestyle.
4. Recycle
If you’re able to recycle, why not save all your bottles and cans for a monthly trip to the bottle return center. While it’s true that you might only save just over $100 per year by recycling used materials like aluminum cans or glass bottles, cultivating a culture of recycling is important for society at large. There are also several economic advantages of recycling in the long term.
5. Save water to save money
Not only can you take shorter showers – why not install a low-flow showerhead?
This could reduce your water usage by 25-60%, which means big savings on your bills.
Cheap and easy-to-install water aerators will help to reduce the flow of water, which will also reduce the costs of your water heating.
6. Save on wash day
Wait until you have a big load before you do the washing. And when the time comes, be sure to use cold water. This will save water and energy on wash day. You should also hang your clothes on the line. Dryers don’t come that Energy Star rating that guarantees savings and you could save a ton of money.
7. Consider solar power
Solar energy is not only abundant – it also holds a number of benefits for the environment. After all, the sun is the one resource that most countries around the world have in abundance. With so many government and local incentives, and trusted solar installers going solar has never been easier. Solar panels on your roof will allow you to start saving on your bills as soon as they are switched on.
8. Turn off the water heater
If you’re simply looking for a quick, no-cost, energy-efficient way of saving money, just turn your water heater down. Nobody needs the water coming from your taps to be as hot as it can be. Adjusting your water heater to around 120 degrees could save up to 10 % in water heating costs. Homeowners can also consider a tankless water heater that avoids round-the-clock storage of hot water, as well as constant heat loss.
9. Programmable thermostat
According to the Energy Department, homeowners can save an estimated 10% every year on heating and cooling costs by installing a programmable thermostat. You can adjust the times you turn on the heating or cooling according to a schedule that will help you save money.