The environment is in danger. If everyone were to make their home and their lifestyle more environmentally friendly, then the world would be a much better place. Governments all over the world have committed themselves to moving away from fossil fuels and move towards renewable energy, but that’s not enough. We need to collectively work towards a greener, more sustainable future. Here are the top investments that will not only help save the environment, but save you money in the long run:
- Properly Insulate Your Home
When your home is not properly insulated, you waste a lot of energy heating and cooling your home. Proper insulation is a great investment for your home. You can you make it a selling feature if you ever wanted to move, house buyers will be pleased at this addition to your property. The biggest reason for properly insulating your home, however, is the energy savings. Your home will be dryer, warmer, and better all year around.
- Invest in Renewable Energy Solutions
Though buying and installing solar panels comes with an upfront cost, the benefits are numerous. First, you might be able to get rebates from the government for your green-energy initiative. Second, you will benefit from reduced or eliminated energy costs, as you will be able to power your home on your own. These panels should be coupled with means to store energy so that you can charge during the day and use the energy at night.
- Upgrade Your Windows
Your windows are the biggest culprits for lost heat and cold air. Upgrade your old windows, or at least refurbish the windows that you have. You can repair and restore your windows if your budget can’t afford new ones, or if your windows themselves are already secondary-glazed. Caulking and weather stripping can reduce drafts, and sometimes all you need to do is remove the old, weathered caulking and replace it. There are options to make your home less draughty.
- Use Simple Furniture Solutions
Heavy curtains can keep also help keep cold air out and warm air in, regardless of what kind of window you have. Similarly using curtains to block out sunlight when it is hot outside is a good way to keep your home naturally cool. Use rugs over hardwood or tiled floors as well to keep you warm. If you really want to cut down on your heating bill, you can also resort to medieval techniques of keeping rooms warm – using tapestries and decorative rugs on your walls. There are many ways to keep your home warm without having the heat cranked up.
Making your home greener is the best way to save money. Use all these solutions to reduce your energy use. The reduced use means that you can reduce or eliminate the cost of energy entirely when you implement a renewable energy solution for your home. You can save the environment, save yourself money, and bring your home into the future.
