The most important thing we can do now right now as responsible citizens is to take a more eco-friendly approach to running our homes. Not only is this wonderful for the environment, but it's also wonderful for your wallet, too. Ditching energy-guzzling older appliances for Energy Star rated appliances, swapping out traditional light bulbs for money saving LED bulbs and trading in harsh chemical cleaners for eco-conscious brands are simple and effective ways to move toward a more eco-friendly home. Read on to learn more.
Save The Planet (& Your Wallet) With These Eco-Friendly Home Hacks!
DIY Your Cleaning Products
You can do a lot of good for your wallet and the environment by switching from chemically-based cleaning products to ones that you make yourself. In fact, DIY cleaning solutions are better for the environment because you can personally ensure they only contain natural ingredients. Lemon juice, white vinegar, baking soda, and even essential oils are staples of most DIY cleaning products--ingredients that won't cause damage or pollution when they are disposed of.
If you don't have the time or inclination for DIY-ing your cleaning products, that's OK--there are many brands on the market that have you covered. Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers and The Honest Company are a few we'd recommend.
  The Honest Company Conscious Cleaning Clean Vibes Kit, amazon.com |
  Mrs. Meyers 3 Pc. Cleaning Essential Kit, amazon.com |
Switch Your Water Heater
Another option to consider, if you are looking to save the environment as well as some money, is to swap out your old inefficient tank-style water heater for a more energy efficient one.
An on-demand, tankless water heater like the ones in the Bradford White Infiniti K range provide consistent temperatures, reduce your maintenance costs, and simultaneously extend the life of your installation. With two different size options in the Energy Star qualified Infiniti K series, you'll find one that works perfectly for your home and your needs.
If purchasing a new water heater isn't in your budget at the moment, an affordable option would be wrapping your tank in an Energy-Star certified water heater blanket. Not only will a blanket prolong the life of your water heater, it will help to improve the efficiency and reduce heat loss up to 40%.
Go For LED Light Bulbs
If you haven't done so yet, you should be swapping out your incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs. LEDs have a much longer lifespan over traditional bulbs, and give off no heat or UV transmissions. LEDs also use much less energy than traditional, filament bulbs because of the diode light. On average, LED bulbs use more than 75% less energy than traditional bulbs lighting and at lower power levels, the difference is even greater.
If you haven't done so yet, you should be swapping out your incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs. LEDs have a much longer lifespan over traditional bulbs, and give off no heat or UV transmissions. LEDs also use much less energy than traditional, filament bulbs because of the diode light. On average, LED bulbs use more than 75% less energy than traditional bulbs lighting and at lower power levels, the difference is even greater.
  24 Pk. 60 Watt Equivalent LED Bulbs, amazon.com |
  6 Pk. 90 Watt Equivalent LED Outdoor Flood Lights, amazon.com |
Insulate Your Home
Finally, an essential for the budget and environmentally conscious alike is to ensure our homes are as well insulated as possible. Air that leaks through your home’s "envelope"--i.e. the outer walls, doors, windows and other openings--wastes energy, ultimately increasing your utility costs.
According to the EPA, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by having a well-insulated home. Here are a few easy-peasy ways you can help improve your home's insulation:
- Use thermal window shades & curtains
- Add weatherstripping around doors and windows
- In the winter, add window insulation film to windows
- Use a draft stop around windows and doors
  Indoor/Outdoor Door Draft Stopper, amazon.com |
  Adhesive Foam Weather Stripping, amazon.com |
Have any eco-friendly home hacks you'd like to share? Let us know in the comments below.
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