10 Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly This Summer
With spring already in full swing and summer just around the corner, most of us are already taking advantage of our air conditioners and pools. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to stay cool during the warmer months, homes and commercial buildings consume just over 40% of the energy used in the United States. In an effort to live a little more eco-friendly this summer, here are a few ways you can cut your energy use (and electric bill!).
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Replace your incandescent lights with Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Switching one incandescent bulb for one CFL will save 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
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Unplug your TV, air conditioner, and other large appliances when you leave your house for the night or longer. Even when turned off, electronics still pull energy from your home.
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Consider bamboo during your next remodel. Bamboo grows quickly and is in large supply, making it a great alternative to hardwood floors.
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Close your blinds on hot days. The sun can raise your home’s temperature by as much as 6 degrees in the summer.
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Start a compost in your backyard. Composting your kitchen scraps is a great way to reduce your waste, all while creating a natural and organic fertilizer!
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Use organic or homemade cleaners instead of chemical ones. Vinegar, baking soda, and a hint of fresh lemon makes a great all-purpose cleaner.
- Hang your clothes up to dry. Dryers use some of the most electricity out of any appliance and can easily raise the temperature of your house or apartment. Instead of running the dryer, leave your clothes out to dry on a drying rack.
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Use your microwave as often as possible. Just like a dryer, an oven can make any room feel several degrees warmer than it is, so use a microwave to heat up your food when you can.
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Go low-flow when it comes to your appliances. Just flushing your toilet accounts for 30% of the water used in a home. Low-flow appliances will help you use less water and save money!
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Add more plants throughout your house. Not only will they make your house look more beautiful, they’ll help clean the air too.|
Leslie Heating and Cooling is a family-owned and operated business based in Woodridge, Illinois. If you’re interested in learning more about our “go green” initiatives, or would like a customer system inspection of your equipment, give us a call! Our service professionals are trained to provide friendly and professional solutions to any of your comfort needs.
