When it comes to your home, energy-saving changes can benefit the planet, your well-being and even your utility bills. Wondering where to start? Going the ecological route is easier than you think. Below we present 10 tips, some simple, others more complex, but all effective.
1. Replace your cleaning products.
Many household cleaners contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are man-made chemicals. Replace these harsh cleaners with gentler, more environmentally friendly versions to avoid releasing chemicals into the air or down the drain every time you scrub.
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Method , Seventh Generation , Simple Truth , and The Honest Company are among the trusted brands sold in local grocery stores. For a non-toxic, homemade solution, mix water and vinegar to clean virtually any surface, from glass and porcelain to rugs and carpets. For a little more dirt-fighting power, add a pinch of baking soda to surfaces like toilets or grout, or to stubborn stains on clothing or carpets, before spraying on the vinegar-water mixture. A drop or two of essential oils like lemon or lavender will give your cleaning solution a fresh scent.
2. Install low-flow water features in your bathrooms.
A low-flow showerhead, like this High Sierra model sold by Walmart , is a relatively inexpensive way to reduce water usage in your home. The brand claims to save up to 40% on shower water consumption with its highly efficient design. And one thing you should remember: low flow does not always mean low pressure. The technology aims to give the user the same showering experience with less water per minute.
3. Ventilate and insulate your attic.
"Improving your home to reduce its footprint is as easy as adding insulation to your attic," says Alan Hoffman, president of Hoffman Homes , a home builder focused on environmentally friendly homes.
First, check the airflow and ventilation in your attic. This makes a big difference in the efficiency of your HVAC system, especially in the summer. "Increasing airflow in your attic allows the air to circulate and perform better," says Hoffman. A contractor or handyman can install vents if your attic lacks them. (Hardware stores sell vents for a few dollars each.) If your attic already has adequate vents, installing a turbine fan that doesn't require electricity to operate will make it easier to circulate air in the attic by drawing in warm air. . outside.
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Next, consider adding additional insulation to your attic. "This will significantly improve the performance of your air conditioner," says Hoffman. He recommends cellulose, a product made from recycled newspapers. Small particles can find their way into the corners of your attic, keeping cool air in and hot air out in the summer. "This step allows you to isolate the building envelope from the house," he explains.
4. Add a radiant barrier to your roof.
When it's time to install a new roof, consider installing a radiant barrier. This is a piece of plywood or OSB board with a radiation protection film made of aluminum or metallized polyethylene that is placed on the roof deck. "This keeps 90% of radiant heat out of your attic during the heat of summer. "You only have to spend a few dollars more per sheet of plywood," says Hoffman.
Benefits include reducing attic temperatures by 30 degrees, retaining heat during the winter months, extending the life of your HVAC system, and reducing operating costs.
5. Opt for a rain guard on your sprinklers.
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We've all been there: the neighbor whose sprinkler system floods his lawn right after it rains. Adding an automatic shut-off device to your irrigation system will ensure that your sprinklers do not activate during a storm, which is a huge waste of water. For example , Rain Bird's wired rain sensor automatically turns off sprinklers when it detects rain. This is especially useful if you are out of town and there are unexpected downpours at home.
6. Plant native plants and low-maintenance grasses.
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When it's time to design your landscape, consider changing the type of grass to reduce water use. "St. Augustine grass requires three times more water than Bermuda or Zoysia grass," says Hoffman. "Zoysia, for example, requires 25 percent of the water that a St. Augustine lawn requires."
It is also important which types of plants and flowers you choose for your pots and beds. For his own garden, Hoffman enjoys planting native Texas plants that thrive in our harsh summer climate because they require little water and attract pollinators. "Do the bees and butterflies a favor and plant drought-tolerant native plants and vegetation," he says. "I have Salvia greggii, known as autumn sage, and it is a plant that blooms and thrives in the heat."
7. Replace your thermostats with a smart system.
Consider replacing your home thermostat with a Google Nest, Ecobee or Amazon Smart system. They understand your habits and patterns and adjust your thermostat accordingly. The technology particularly reduces energy consumption when you are not at home.
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But you don't have to worry, that doesn't mean you're in the middle of your home: certain devices are equipped with geolocation technology that detects that you are at the arrival point and starts regulating temperature. in his house. at home with the desired diploma. In addition, you can also operate it via an app, so you can check and change your home settings remotely at any time. And remember: the smaller the difference between outside air and the thermostat, the lower your bill will be.
8. Harvest rain to reduce water use.
Rain harvesting involves collecting free water from every storm. (And no, it doesn't rain often in North Texas, but when it does, flooding can occur, so take advantage of it when you can.)
Place a rain barrel, such as those sold by Home Depot, under a downspout to collect fresh water after a storm. You can reuse water for garden irrigation as well as for watering flower beds and houseplants. Hoffman also uses collected rainwater to keep his pool levels high. "In Dallas, we lose a lot of our pool water to evaporation," he explains. Instead of filling the pool with a hose, you can redirect rainwater for free.
9. Filter tap water instead of using plastic water bottles.
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Reduce plastic use at home with a water filtration system and reusable water bottles. Hoffman likes the Aquasauna 3-Stage Maximum Flow Water Filter, available at Home Depot. "It's easy to put together and shows you when it's time to change the filter," he explains.
Designed to remove harmful chemicals like chlorine, microplastics, pesticides, VOCs and more, the system helps retain good minerals like magnesium and calcium to ensure your family has clean, healthy water that also benefits the environment comes.
10. Keep your air filters clean to improve air quality.
Hoffman reiterates the importance of keeping your HVAC unit's air filters clean. "If all the filters are dirty and clogged, your device has to force air through the dirty filter, which means the fan and system have to work harder and run longer," he says. The result, of course, is a deterioration in the air quality in your home. Be sure to change the filters every three months.
Hoffman also recommends opening the windows when it's cold. "Keep the air fresh in the house," he said. "Indoor air can be ten times worse than outdoor air." As a result, toxins that build up in the home, such as: B. formaldehyde, which is found in materials such as carpet padding, has the ability to be removed.
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