Going green at home as an eco-friendly homeowner can put more green in your pocket each year. With a little “energy” you can create a greener and more cost-efficient space. Here are eight simple ways to start saving.
1) Replace an old, wooden front door with a new energy efficient, insulated door. This will minimize cold and hot air entering the home.
2) Decrease your lighting bill by letting in more sunshine. Install skylights, expand windows, and consider adding automated blinds or curtains to your home. Many new automatic blinds work with the Nest thermostat or your smartphone.
3) Unplug computers, printers, game consoles and appliances when they’re not in use. Leaving them “asleep” or idle could be costing you more than $250 per year.
4) Replace old incandescent lightbulbs with LED or CFL bulbs. It is estimated that this alone could save you almost $200 per year.
5) Replace old weather stripping around doors and windows to create a tighter seal and stop outside air from coming in.
6) If your gas furnace or hot water heater are older, you may want to consider updating them to high efficiency units. Over time your savings will start to add up.
7) In the summer months, use window fans in the evening when the temperature cools off instead of firing up the air conditioner. This is a great way to get fresh air in the house and save money.
8) Get an energy audit from your local utility company. Many utility companies offer free home energy audits and they will help you discover ways to improve your homes energy efficiency.
Some home projects require a little cash capital to make them happen. A Home Equity Line of Credit can be a great way to free up some extra cash in your home. To learn more about First Security Bank’s HELOC loans, click here. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender.