You want your home to run as efficiently as possible. Otherwise, you’ll end up paying higher energy bills. But that’s not the only issue. You shouldn’t discount the amount of environmental damage that a single inefficient home can do. With properties around the United States contributing tons of pollution every year, there are plenty homeowners can do to improve our air and water. Plus, a few energy-efficient upgrades will lower your monthly expenses.
Did you know that home energy use accounts for 85 tons of CO2 pollution every year? That’s an incredible amount, and about half of it comes from heating and cooling systems. This means your HVAC system is a huge source of waste if it’s not cared for appropriately. Change your filters as needed, schedule routine maintenance, and look into home automation to lower your utility bills. The type of light bulbs you use is also a major source of energy waste. If you have incandescent bulbs, switch them out for residential LEDs.
After you’ve made these changes, review your water consumption. Chances are good that this is another major source of waste. Installing water aerators and low-flow showerheads can significantly reduce your use. In fact, showers alone account for 22 percent of a person’s total water use. Also, make sure you’re only running your washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load. These small adjustments can make a world of difference. Learn more about integrating these changes and other cost-saving ways to go green at home in the following infographic.
