It’s Easy Being Green: Easy Ways To Reduce Your Bills

Energy efficient homes are slowly becoming a habitual way of life. What started out as a way of protecting the environment, has slowly merged with the need to save money wherever possible. People who engage in eco-friendly practices can benefit from increased savings on their energy bills and a sense of satisfaction from knowing they are doing their bit for the planet. Adopting a green lifestyle at home couldn’t be easier, so here are a few suggestions to help you start saving money now.

Improve insulation

During winter, you expect your energy bills to go up because you’re turning up the thermostat to keep you home warm. Unfortunately, if your insulation is poor, you might as well be paying to heat the air outside your house. Around 25% of heat lost from an uninsulated home goes through the roof, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional roofing contractor to help you properly insulate your loft. The last thing you want is to turn a money-saving project into an expensive repair if you do something wrong. Remember to cover your pipes with insulation, as this could prevent them from bursting in the middle of winter.

Install double glazing

Heat also escapes through the cracks in old windows. If your windows are old, leaky, and obviously made of wood, then it’s past time to upgrade to something more efficient. Double pane windows and other vinyl frames are much better than single pane windows and aluminum frames. Upgrading doesn’t have to cost much either, as there are plenty of installation companies willing to give you a good quote.

Conserve water

Water is a precious, life-giving resource, yet up to a third of the drinking water that comes into the typical Western home goes straight down the toilet. Conserving water will save you money on your bills. Only take a bath on special occasions, don’t run dishwasher or washing machine until they’re full, and think before you flush. You’ll prevent a lot of toilet blockages if you throw things in the bin instead of trying to dispose of waste through the toilets. Also, save flushing for when you really need it (not after every pee).

Avoid harmful cleaning products

We all want a spotless home, but the harsh chemicals in cleaning products can cause health problems, pollute the environment, and they can be very expensive. Instead, make your own cleaning products; baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar are the most common ingredients, and they don’t harm your skin. Live plants around your home act as natural air filters, and some plants are particularly effective absorbers of harmful pollutants emitted from carpets, furniture, and electronic equipment.

Having plants will save you from spending money on cleansing sprays. The most effective air purifying house plants include aloe vera, bamboo palm, and spider plant. The best thing about these plants is that they are impossible to kill, so even the most forgetful gardeners will benefit from their air purification for a long time.