Talking About Green

Transforming an energy sapping home into environmentally friendly residence can seem like an expensive task. However, there are some simple steps and tricks available that can help homeowners do their part in going green without breaking the bank. One of the easiest ways of cutting back on energy is by monitoring consumption habits. Thus, with a little extra consideration, you can modify old habits
and transform your home into a more environmentally friendly place to live.

Green Cleaning

One of the most affordable and simple methods of making one’s home greener is replacing traditional cleaners, detergents and soaps with their more environmentally friendly counterparts. Toxic ingredients in products like glass cleaner can be harmful to pets, children and adults. However, these cleaners can easily be replaced with a greener versions found in the supermarket or with homemade products, comprised of natural ingredients. Homemade cleaners are extremely cost effective, and the ingredients can be pulled straight from the pantry. Baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar are just some of the products that can replace everyday toxic cleaners.

Turn it Up (Or Down)

Heating and cooling systems can often use up a lot of energy in a home, as well as be expensive. Thus, it is important for you to reduce your dependence on your air conditioner and heater if your goal is to transform your residence into a greener space. Start by turning your heat down. Each degree in which heat is turned lower results in savings of 3-5 percent energy over time. Similarly, setting the air conditioner on a slightly warmer setting will save drastic amounts of energy, and money, within the home. Additionally, pulling shades over the windows during periods of the day when the sun comes through the most can help keep a home cooler during the summer for a very low cost.

Conserve Water

Conserving water can be as simple as shutting off the faucets while brushing teeth your or as complex as replacing a current toilet with a water conserving version. Newer toilet models can save as much as one and a half gallons of water with a simple flush. While spending extra money on different products and replacements can help save additional amounts of water, there are methods of conservation that
won’t empty your pockets. Simply adjusting sprinklers to insure they water the lawn and do not waste water sprinkling walkways and siding can be a small, but helpful way to conserve water.

Replace Light Bulbs

Changing the old light bulbs throughout the house and replacing them with energy- saving fluorescent light bulbs will allow you to shrink your electric bill. Better yet, using more efficient light bulbs results in drastic energy savings that can help reduce your carbon footprint.

While the above steps mentioned above are small, implementing these simple changes can create a more environmentally friendly home. Likewise, the application of these steps can also teach family members the importance of conservation without high cost products or drastic construction. Not to mention that making your home greener will save you a lot of money. Most importantly, focusing on the small steps can make a difference globally. Often each little change combines with other small transformations to create a big impact.

Mandy Woods is a content writer for Home Insurance, where you can research, comparison, and get home insurance quotes that fit your needs. In her free time, Mandy enjoys playing tennis, reading, and spending time with her daughter.