Your Reliable Guide to Going Green
It makes sense to do everything that you can to make your home look good and be in good repair because your home is an investment. Beyond the obvious repairs and maintenance, did you know that it is a good idea to go green at home to keep it in great shape?
There are many benefits; green homes are more comfortable and durable; they usually have better indoor air quality and can help your social conscience too, because they are better for the environment. There are cost benefits as well.
Convinced and ready to go green? Here is how to get started.
Water Filtration Systems Instead
One of the biggest culprits that threaten the environment is plastic water bottles. You are far better served to invest in a home water filtration system instead.
They are inexpensive, easy to use and easy to maintain. They produce a superior product, without the environmental damage of empty plastic bottles ending up in landfills.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
You should be mindful of reducing your carbon footprint everywhere, but you can probably make the most impact in your home.
Only have EnergyStar appliances. Don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine unless full. Unplug electronics when you aren’t using them.
Inspect windows and doors to make sure caulking is intact. Ensure that exterior walls are properly insulated.
Plant a garden and grow your own produce. Consider converting to solar power. Park your car in the garage and walk or bike whenever possible. Switch your current car to a hybrid model.
Tankless Water Heaters
One of the smartest green moves you can make is to install a tankless water heater. Traditional storage tanks cycle heat around water in a specified period (usually 24 hours), which wastes the energy if you’re not using the water as it is heated.
Tankless units work on demand, which means that water is only heated once. Tankless water heaters are smaller than traditional tanks, which is appealing and cost far less to run.
Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures
If you are going to pick one room to go green, make it your bathroom. That’s because the bathroom is where much of the household water use occurs.
For instance, your toilet accounts about a third of your household’s total water use. Reduce that by putting a dual flush feature on your toilet.
It uses more water for solid waste and less water for liquid waste.
Low-flow showerheads reduce the flow rate of water coming out of the shower without diminishing the water pressure or water temperature.
Plans for Earth Day?
Why not make this year’s Earth Day celebrations on April 22 personal for you. Take this opportunity to get educated about alternative energy, like wind and solar power. Find out about how to set up a recycling strategy that works. Go green!
