While it’s good to hear that many people from all four corners of the planet are becoming more eco-aware around their home, simply emptying the recycling bin just isn’t enough. We all want to do our bit to help the environment, as well as save some money at the same time, so if you’re serious about reducing your carbon footprint, making changes to your home should be a priority.
Being aware of how much energy you’re consuming can be a great place to start, meaning you can put measures in place to help you live more environmentally friendly. If you’re in need of some help, here are some useful tips on how to make your Californian home more eco-friendly this fall.
Insulate
Nobody wants to return home to a cold and draughty environment. Your home should be the one place where you feel the most relaxed and comfortable, so if you’re serious about trying to use as little energy as possible, investing in insulation can be a great way to hold in the heat and improve your property’s eco-friendliness. To start with, you should make sure that your roof and walls are insulated, as well as considering double-glazing your windows if they aren’t already. Laying down a rug can also be a stylish and cost-effective way to help keep your home warm, helping to prevent any warm air from escaping through the cracks in the floors.
Use natural cleaning products
Most home-owners like to ensure their home is kept clean and tidy. When it comes to performing household chores, you may not realize all the harmful chemicals that could be in your cleaning products which are bad for the environment. The last thing you want to do is wash them all into the water supply, so making minor changes and opting for natural products such as bicarbonate of soda and vinegar can not only leave your home sparkling clean, but help you follow a more eco-friendly way of life.
Install solar panels
Solar panels have become increasingly popular, especially for those who want to go greener. One of the main benefits of installing solar panels on your property is that you can save money on your energy bill, meaning you won’t get a nasty shock when the bill comes in at the end of the month. What’s more, as you will have completely clean electricity, you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re doing your best to live as eco-friendly as possible.
If you’re serious about installing solar panels, try to find a reputable company like Semper Solaris. They provide solar panel installation across California and are regarded as the top solar company in the state. They can let you know more about how much solar panels cost, as well as how they work and how they can benefit your property.
Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
Another great way to save on energy is by using the right light bulbs throughout your home. If you’ve been using incandescent bulbs, you may find it best to switch to more efficient ones such as LEDs. Although they’ve been around for a long time, it’s taken a while for people to take notice and come around to the idea of switching to them. Not only do they use less power, they last longer too, making it a no-brainer to make the switch and reduce your energy bill.
Set heating and cooling temperatures correctly
Your freezer and refrigerator are most likely the highest electrical energy consumers in your property, therefore, it’s crucial that you take appropriate action to ensure they are not working harder than they need to. There are various measures that you can take such as making sure you’ve closed the fridge and freezer doors. You may not be aware of it, but even leaving them open for a few seconds can waste a ton of energy.
Get unplugged
Whether you live by yourself, or with family, it’s likely that you have lots of electronic appliances dotted across your home. Devices such as computers, laptops, CD players and TVs can consume tons of energy when in standby mode, therefore, when you’re heading out for work, or before you hit the hay, make sure that you go around your property to unplug any appliances that are not in use. While it may not seem like a big deal at the time, no one wants to pay extra on their energy bill.
Stop leaks
Make sure that you go around your home to check whether there are any leaks. Making your property as leak-proof as possible can make a huge difference and see your utility bills drop dramatically. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can conduct an energy audit, which gives you a better indication on how much energy you and anyone else in the home is consuming. If you hire a specialist to come out and perform an energy audit, they’ll be able to give you useful tips and techniques to help reduce your utility bills.
Let the sun in
There are so many benefits that natural light can bring. If you’re prone to keeping the curtains shut, you may not realise the impact it could be having on your energy bills. It’s important that you open your blinds, shutters and curtains which can allow solar energy to seep into your home and brighten it up for the better.
Use appliances efficiently
How you use your appliances can play a major part in how much you’re shelling out for your energy each month. Thankfully, there are lots of useful tips that you can take on board to help cut costs, such as waiting for a full load before switching on the washing machine, dishwasher or tumble dryer. Also, ensure that you clean out the lint filter after every dryer load and air dry your clothes when the weather allows. When it comes to cooking, only preheat your oven when necessary. Making small but subtle changes can help you be more eco-friendly and keep your utility bills down.
Clear the air
There are lots of measures that you can take to help create a green and healthy home. Whether it be stopping smoking in the home to stop any nasty chemicals from polluting your property, growing plants indoors, installing a carbon monoxide detector, or doing a radon check (which is a radioactive gas naturally present in soil), making your home as environmentally friendly as possible is important.
Control water usage
If you live with others, it can be all too easy to use excess water without even realising, however, the more you use, the more you’ll have to pay out at the end of the month. To help slash your bills, you may want to consider installing a water displacement device which can help reduce the amount of water that you’re using. Remember, every little helps, so whether it be switching off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth, or limiting your shower time, you’ll be thankful in the long run!
These are just a few of the top tips that can help make your Californian home more eco-friendly this fall.
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