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12
Simple Ways to Green Your Home
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- Replacing outdated thermostats. New programmable thermostats can reduce
energy wasted heating or cooling a house when no one is home or everyone's
asleep. This will save you money and reduce the amount of energy your
home uses.
- Install ceiling fans. Since moving air tends to feel cooler, you can
set your thermostat at a higher temperature in the summer months.
- Replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's).
CFL's use up to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and
last up to 10 times longer, according to Home Energy Saver.
- Choosing energy-efficient appliances when buying new home appliances.
Look for the EPA's Energy Star designation.
- Installing hot water jackets on your water heater. This will maintain
the temperature in the water heater longer and reduce the cost of water
heating dramatically.
- Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. This will reduce the
amount of water used in both the bathroom and kitchen, and can save
you a bundle on your monthly water bill.
- Adding a skylight or light tubes. Skylights and light tubes increase
internal light without the need for electricity.
- Installing natural floor coverings. Choose floor coverings that are
made of renewable materials such as sisal, seagrass, bamboo, pure wool
or coir (coconut). Nylon and acrylic carpets are petroleum based.
- Installing motion sensors outside. With motion sensors turning lights
on when they detected movement, you don't have to waste power by leaving
lights on constantly.
- Replacing your windows and doors. Older windows and doors let out
both heat and a/c. By upgrading windows and doors you can save a lot
of money on your utility bills.
- Choosing green paints. When decorating avoid standard acrylic paints
or wallpaper, as they are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) based. Instead, opt
for a natural plant-based paint or a low volatile organic compound (VOC)
paint.
- Using potted plants. Indoor potted plants add atmosphere, generate
oxygen and help to eliminate potentially harmful volatile organic compounds.
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Effective strategies
for green building
12
Simple Ways to
Green Your Home
Green Building
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