Improving your home and making it a greener and more economical space is relatively easy and won’t cost you the earth, and you won’t have to wait until a rich relative dies to get the money to do it. There are some simple things to look out for that could assist you to make changes that will be really effective. Here are a few ideas.
Seal Up Drafty Windows and Air Leaks
If your home has air leaks and drafty windows then you might be using a lot more energy to heat and cool it than what you need. Check windows and other areas for drafts by holding an incense stick up to them and seeing where the smoke goes. If it reveals a draft then you know where you need to reseal areas to ensure that you are getting the most out of the money you do spend on heating and cooling. You can save a lot of money over a year, by reducing how much you turn on heaters and coolers!
Fix Water Leaks
If you have a dripping tap in your home then you are probably wasting a lot of water annually. During the short run this may not seem like a lot of water, but over time it really adds up. Sometimes it can be as easy as tightening washers in the taps, but you may need to get a plumber in to do the work if you are unsure about how to go about doing this.
Cut Back Trees Around Gutters
Cutting back trees around gutters will assist you in having a greener home in many ways. One way to avoid costly repairs during stormy weather is to ensure that trees are kept in good order and cutting back regularly so that they do not get to the point where they can fall on your house and cause damage. Keeping trees and their leaves away from roofs and gutters will mean that you have less build up and in the long run this is an easy way of upkeeping your home. Purchasing a STIHL chain saw will ensure that you always have the right power tool handy when you need it to chop those pesky branches out of the way.
Install Low Flow Showers
If you are on tank water, or a home owner then you will be responsible for ensuring that there is enough water, or even paying for the water that is used. Installing low flow shower heads will reduce the amount of water that you are using and in the long run this can really add up to a lot of water annually that you are saving.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances
Household appliances use a lot of electricity, so ensure that they are as economical as possible by looking for the most energy efficient ones when you are buying. Paying a little bit extra initially is worth it in the long run, when you consider that you use these appliances for years and years, and the amount of power that you could be shaving off your electricity bill.