Green homes are being constructed in many areas by single-family and custom home builders. They are much healthier for both the residents and the environment, but that doesn't mean you have to start over to get an energy efficient home. There are many things you can do to convert your traditional home for greener living.
Look around your home for things you use everyday that may be using excess energy. Leaks in your home are the biggest energy wasters. Check in the attic and basement, around doors, windows, plumbing and pipes and electrical outlets for air leaks. Use caulking or weather-stripping to seal these leaks. Another energy waster is incandescent light bulbs. Replace all of the bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent light bulbs or at least the most used bulbs.
A big way to save on your electric bill can be found by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees lower or higher. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer and 62 degrees or lower in the winter when you aren't home. An easy way to do this is to install a programmable thermostat. You can set the thermostat to return to a more comfortable temperature before you come home so you don't have to wait to warm up or cool down.
More extensive ways to save money and live better are available for your home. Having your HVAC system checked and tuned every year or two can be costly, but will save money over the course of the year. Another way to spend money, but end up with savings at the end of the year is to hire a certified Home Energy Rater. These people can let you know exactly where those air leaks are and how to stop them. They may be able to find hidden cracks or leaks that you would never know about. These specialists can cost a couple hundred dollars, but this is easily saved in your monthly energy bill.
An energy efficient home is a safe home for both you and the environment. Not only will your green home help preserve our planet, but it will save you money.
Source by Jayson Gibson
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