Greenify Your Home & Life, 10 Ways to Add Value and Save Money
Green is the new black. I don’t mean the color green; I’m talking about things you can do to make your home green and energy efficient. With today’s cost conscience consumers, adding green features can increase energy savings and at the same time reduce your carbon footprint. Some of the items listed below may also tip the buyer toward purchasing your home. Check out these 10 ideas to greenify your home.
1) Use Energy Efficient Lighting
Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs) are a quick and easy way to make you home more energy efficient. These bulbs use 80% less energy than traditional ones and last 10 times longer, which reduces landfill waste. Consider opening the blinds during the day to let in as much natural light in as possible. This is also a great tip when showing your home. Buyers tend to like homes with a lot of bright natural light.
2) Get rid of that old, inefficient water heater
When it’s time to replace that old water heater, it’s a perfect time to upgrade to energy efficient one. There are many types of water heaters on the market, from solar powered to tankless water heaters, which can generally are 20-50 percent more efficient.
3) Get your heat and ac from mother nature
Homeowner’s highest energy use and cost comes from heating their homes in the winter. Using Mother Nature is a great way to reduce cost and go green. There are several options to heat your home using the power of the planet. Using solar power or geothermal heat pumps are two viable options that are becoming more popular with homeowners.
4) Don’t Use Plastic Disposables
In 2012 nearly 1.5 million tones of garbage went into the Vancouver landfill. That’s enough to fill over 72,000 garbage trucks. One way you can reduce the amount of garbage is to discontinue your use of plastic disposables. Even though they are easy and convenient, there are better options. Consider switching to compostable plates or just use your regular dinnerware.
5) Get Energy Efficient Appliances
Get rid of old appliances and switch to new energy efficient ones. This can decease your energy use up to 50 percent. Plus, having newer appliances when you sell your home is a big plus for buyers.
6) Upgrade You Insulation
Upgrading your insulation is one of the best ways to save on heating and cooling cost. Start our by making sure your roof and attic are well insulated. If you have enough insulation there, move to the walls of the home and the basement if you have one.
7) Seal Your Home
Seals around windows and doors over time will get old and crack causing the home to waste a lot of energy. Many homes have enough leaks that it would be the equivalent of having a small window opened all year round. Sealing also creates better humidity control, lessens pollen, dust, insects, and lessens ice dams during the winter.
8) Donate and Recycle Unwanted Items
Spring is coming and it’s time to get the home cleaned up. Getting rid of stuff you don’t use any more is a great way to declutter and get your home ready to sell. Consider donating old toys and clothes, and recycle your old computer that’s been sitting in the garage.
9) Add Air Purifying Houseplants
Adding live houseplants is a great way to brighten up the home, get rid of odors, and leave the air in your home feeling fresh and clean. Buying a couple of plants is a cheap and easy way to decorate you home before a showing.
10) Use Natural Cleaners
Have you looked at the label of you favorite cleaner recently? How many of those ingredients can you pronounce? There are many environment and health benefits for using natural cleaners. If you want to save money, you can easily make your own using simple everyday ingredients and they are just as effective.
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