It is often said, home ownership is an essential component of most people’s American Dream, but, while, it should be, once someone has bought the home of their dreams (or the best they might afford, etc), it is important to consider economic considerations and/ or challenges, as well as hopefully, being environmentally concerned and responsible. While there are numerous green housing possibilities, this article will review, briefly, 7 simple, relatively inexpensive. environmentally responsible actions, etc. After all, it doesn’t help the environment, in any meaningful way, if one can’t afford to do what’s necessary, and/ or needed.
1. Energy – efficient lights: What type of light bulbs are you using? There are bulbs available, today, which are far more energy – efficient, often using less than a fourth of the wattage, required by a conventional bulb. Doing this, not only saves energy costs, but helps the environment!
2. Turn lights off: The bane of many parents of teenage children, is having to follow them around the house, in order to turn the lights off, behind them! Many commercial establishments have installed motion detectors in rooms such as bathrooms, hotel guest rooms, certain hallways, etc, in order to save money, on their energy costs. Turning lights off, is simple and easy, but we often fail to pay sufficient attention, to the simplest of tasks!
3. Energy efficient appliances: Many older appliances are far less energy – friendly, than newer ones. These include: air conditioners; stoves/ ranges/ ovens; refrigerator/ freezers; etc. Imagine how our environment might benefit if more people addressed these issues?
4. Insulation: Quality insulation reduces waste, whether someone lives in a warmer or colder climate. Consider the rating of the insulation, and pay attention to areas where there is often a lot of loss, such as from outlets, roofs, etc. In cold weather, one would use less heat, and in hot weather, less air conditioning!
5. Doors and windows: Examine your doors and windows. Are your doors hung properly, and are they made and fitted properly? Is there any air – leakage, coming from your windows? Are your windows and doors, energy – efficient?
6. Air leaks: Are there any air – leaks, coming from windows, doors, air conditioning openings, your attic and/ or basement?
7. Thermostat: What temperature to you keep your thermostat at? Every one degree, you raise the setting in summer, or lower, in the winter, saves lots of energy and expense! Statistics show, setback – thermostats, are energy – efficient, inexpensive to install (pay for themselves quickly), and, therefore, save money.
If we all do our small part, even incrementally, we will make a big difference, for the better, in our environment, as well as saving lots of money. Will you participate in this worthwhile effort and endeavor?