Being green has become a popular term today. It cannot only help the environment, it can also save you money. Some people think that they will have to spend a lot of money to make their home more environmentally friendly. However, there are some relatively inexpensive, easy environmentally safe home improvement projects that almost anyone can do.

Many simple changes can help to have a more green home. Installing compact fluorescent light bulbs to replace incandescent bulbs can save up to 70% on energy consumption. Another positive is that they can last ten times longer. LCD lighting is even more energy efficient than the fluorescent bulbs. However, they are at the present time a little more expensive. Fortunately, the price is gradually going down. Wasted water is an energy problem in many homes. Simply using low-pressure shower heads and low-flow toilets can make a measurable difference in water use. Water heaters also consume a lot of energy. This can be decreased by installing either solar powered hot water heaters, or by using tank less water heaters. All these simple measures can lower utility bills and reduce energy use.

Using ceiling fans in the home can help with energy usage. In the summer, they help cool. In the winter, they help with heating by pushing heat down from the ceiling. Another very simple energy saver is using an automated thermostat. Reducing the temperature or turning off the heating completely when you are away, can lead to significant savings. Motion detector lights installed outside will also consume energy only when needed.

Simple things like using a power strip to plug in the computer will save energy. Color choices for your home will also affect your energy use. Using lighter colors on your roof helps decrease temperatures in the attic. Using brighter colors to paint walls will add brightness to the rooms, so less light is needed.

The importance of efficient insulation cannot be ignored. If the home, windows, and doors are insulated properly, much energy can be saved. The use of solar panels to power the home is also a good choice. An even less expensive option is to use used panels. They have been shown over the years to be almost as effective as new panels.

In addition to these smaller environmentally friendly choices, you can be more green when contemplating larger projects. Wood materials for buildings and floors can be purchased with the environment in mind. Cedar wood is an excellent wood choice. It does not have the chemical dangers involved with using treated lumber, as it is naturally resistant to insects. Bamboo is another good choice, especially for floors. It is can be replenished quickly in the forests because it grows so quickly. Another good option is using recycled, used wood. It is very visually attractive, and its use helps to save the forests. Cork material is also a material that helps save the environment.

In Conclusion

Deciding to use environmentally safe home improvement projects can benefit not only the environment, but you as well. Saving energy will result in more disposable income in your bank account.

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