Homes today can have large carbon footprints that affect the environment and reduce air quality in neighborhoods. Shrinking the size of this footprint means lowering energy use and consuming fewer resources. Implementing these five tips will help to decrease the footprint of a home and save money every month.
Replace Old Insulation
Insulation reduces energy loss in the home throughout the year. Old insulation loses the ability to keep hot or cold air outside. This increases heating and cooling bills and causes power plants to release more carbon to meet the higher electricity demands. Replacing insulation with blown-in fill made from recycled cellulose will lower the carbon footprint and save money.
Reuse or Recycle As Much As Possible
Manufacturing a new product releases a large amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Reusing products like water bottles, bags and even construction materials will reduce the carbon footprint of the home and save money over time. Recycling products that cannot be reused will save resources and energy that would have been spent generating virgin materials.
Home Security and Automation Systems
Home security systems that include automation features can reduce energy use and the carbon footprint of a house while also improving safety. Homeowners who install a security system can turn off lights, appliances and other items from any location often through an app on a mobile device according to Vivint in Irvine CA. These systems can be programmed to adjust thermostats automatically or to turn off lights according to a schedule. Families looking for a way to lower the carbon footprint of a house and save money on energy bills should call Vivint to learn about the options available.
Switch to High-Efficiency Appliances
Old appliances should be replaced with new models that include high-efficiency features. These new appliances can reduce energy use and water use by a large amount. They run faster and have energy-saving modes. High-efficiency washers, refrigerators and ovens will make a difference every day.
Compost Food Waste
Non-meat food waste like vegetables or eggshells should be composted. Food in a landfill releases harmful methane gas as well as carbon dioxide. This affects the atmosphere. Composting allows the food to break down naturally. This will reduce the footprint of the household. Composting also saves money on fertilizers and other products for a yard or garden.
Even the smallest changes like turning off lights or buying post-consumer recycled goods can have an impact over time. The amount of energy and resources that are saved will accumulate quickly every year. Taking steps each day to lower energy use or conserve resources will help the environment and will save money.
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