Often, when you want to “green” your home, it’s difficult to know where to start. It’s also daunting as many options can be expensive. Here are some ways to quickly add green technologies to your home without busting your budget!
Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs.
LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs, so you can save money on your energy bill and reduce waste. To save money, simply start by replacing bulbs with LED bulbs as needed when your old bulbs burn out.
Install a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by automatically adjusting your home’s temperature when you’re away or sleeping. There’s a little bit of an investment up front, but the savings over time more than make up for this.
Use power strips.
Plug your electronic devices into power strips so you can easily turn them off when they’re not in use. This can help reduce energy waste from “vampire” or standby power. It’s also a great way to protect sensitive technologies. Be sure to get power strips with surge protectors.
Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
These devices can help reduce water consumption without sacrificing water pressure.
Add weatherstripping to doors and windows.
This can help prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency. Particularly helpful for older homes!
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models.
Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency standards. There’s no need to race out and get all new appliances, just focus on one at a time. And as your older models wear out, take the opportunity to replace them with more energy-efficient ones.
Install new green technologies like solar panels.
While this is a more expensive option, solar panels can help you generate your own renewable energy and potentially save money on your energy bill over time. There’s a wealth of rebates available for those installing solar panels, too. Be sure to check out Federal, State, and even electric company discounts, programs, and rebates.
These are just a few ways to quickly add green technologies to your home. Depending on your budget and priorities, there may be other green technologies that are worth considering as well.
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