"Going green" is more of a concern for today's society than ever. Environmentally and financially friendly trends are growing worldwide. Today's homebuilders incorporate energy efficient materials and appliances into the building process, but what can be done if you own an older home? Below are some tips to help you add some environmentally friendly plans to an older house:
Updating lighting:
Simply changing the lightbulbs in your home can help with energy efficiency. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) use around 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. They also have 10 times the lifespan of standard light bulbs, meaning you have to buy new bulbs much less often. A wide variety of wattages, sizes, and shapes are readily available, making these bulbs usable in almost any lighting fixture.
Updating the thermostat:
Just by swapping out your old thermostat for a new, programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on your heating and cooling bills. The programming feature allows you to pre-set times of the day when you'd like your heating or cooling system to run. Some models even allow multiple settings for any given time.
Updating the air conditioning unit:
If you own an older home, it's likely that your air condition unit does not have a SEER rating. This rating determines the energy efficiency of the particular model; the higher the rating, the higher the efficiency (and the potential for saving money on your electricity bill). For the best performance from your new system, be sure to replace your filters regularly. Switch to HEPA filters, and you could find yourself only needing to replace your filter even less frequently. They tend to outlast normal filters by as much as 10 months!
Updating appliances:
Kitchen remodeling projects generally involve replacing the appliances. Look for the Energy Star logo when shopping for your new appliances, these use 10 to 50% less energy and water than standard models! Replace your washer, dryer, and water heater for even bigger energy savings. Energy Star appliances can be found in many models and styles, so you're sure to find something that meets your needs within your budget.
Updating the insulation:
To save even more money on heating and cooling, consider installing spray insulation. Using spray foam insulation rather than traditional sheet insulation can save you up to 40% on energy costs. It is durable and long-lasting, and keeps out dust and pollen, making it great for allergy sufferers!
Giving your older home a "green" makeover does not have to be an excessively expensive project. Use the list above to get you on track to a more environmentally-friendly home. Speak with a professional contractor to get more information on environmentally and financially friendly improvements for older homes.
Article By Alicia Rowe
