If you pick up any newspaper or browse any current events website, you’ll find no shortage of articles on the importance of adopting environmentally sound practices. And you don’t need to look in a magazine to see the reasons why environmentally sound living practices are becoming so pertinent. Instead, just look outside.
So what can be done by the average civilian? Well for starters, reducing one’s energy expenditure can significantly impact our environment in extremely positive ways.
And the benefits of an energy efficient lifestyle don’t stop there. In fact, they save you a great deal of money. According to the Department of Energy, making the necessary changes in your home can save you up to 30% on energy costs.
So, how can you be sure that you have an energy efficient home? To find out, refer to the following checklist:
- Practice Proper Weatherization
All energy efficient homes are properly weatherized. Weatherization is the process of protecting your indoor air quality and conditioning from outside elements, and vice versa. Weatherization prevents air escaping so your heating and cooling can function better. It also prevents outdoor pollutants from affecting the air quality within your home. This is especially important for families with allergies, and bronchial issues.
Did you know that out of date home appliances waste energy and cost you money? Particularly when it comes to your air conditioning and heating appliances. By switching to energy star rating equipment, you will be on your way to an energy efficient house with lower utility costs. In fact, if all families in the United Stares converted to energy star rated furnaces, around $171 million could be saved each year.
Although this seems like the obvious suggestion, trees could provide you more homeowner benefits than you realize. Strategically planted trees can save you a great deal of money on annual cooling costs, and enables your energy efficient house to absorb less of the heat from the sun.
An energy efficient house is your own personal way of committing to helping the planet and reducing the damage of global warming.