Saving energy in your home does not always require a planned project. There are simple steps you can take right now to help improve the efficiency of your home. Some of these green tips may seem ridiculously simple, but every bit of energy saved helps. Give them a try, and you may be pleasantly surprised when your next utility bill comes.

 

 

Use Your Microwave Instead of the Stove

 

If you need to boil water use your microwave instead of a stove top burner. The microwave is much more efficient and does not waste energy as ambient heat (an important consideration in the summer when you are trying to keep your house cool). If you need warm water, try running it from the tap until it is hot enough. If you still need warmer water you can then put the tap water in the microwave. The microwave is also more efficient for heating food. Almost none of its energy is wasted, so try to use it as much as possible.

 

 

Let the Grass Grow

 

If you don’t live an urban area, you can save a serious amount of energy by letting your grass grow a little longer. This is not to say you have to let it go to seed, but keeping it twice as long as you would typically keep will dramatically cut back on your lawn mower use. This can be a major fuel saving, especially if you have a large property. Lawn mowers are typically not the most fuel efficient or clean engines to run. Letting the grass grow out a bit will reduce carbon emissions, save gas money, and will free up some spare time.

 

 

Plant a Tree

 

Planting a deciduous tree in front of your main window will provide shade in the summer, and will let the sun shine through in the winter. A small tree will cost about $10 but will take a few years to grow. If you have some money you can purchase a matured tree, and start seeing the benefits of green shading almost immediately. If you are building a new home, keep this in mind while planning the layout of the landscaping. This also has the plus of making a more sustainable property.

 

 

 

Lock Closed Windows

 

Windows cause air leaks in your home. Leaks are the biggest cause of heating and cooling inefficiencies. You can ensure that the seal is properly formed by locking all closed windows. Unlocked windows may appear to sealed, but often times more pressure is needed to ensure a full closure.

 

Reduce Heating and Cooling

 

By simply adjusting your thermostat you can see a dramatic difference in home energy usage. In the summer most people will set their air conditioner to about 70 degrees. By setting it to 75 degrees you will hardly notice a difference and your central air unit will be working much less harder. Use air conditioning as a luxury, remember that until about 60 years ago it did not exist. In the winter set your thermostat to about 65 degrees. If you find yourself cold at night, consider purchasing a small space heater. This will allow you to stay warm in your room without having to keep a high heat level throughout the entire house.

 

 

Green-Home-Building.com