analysis: Living in a More Eco-Friendly Home in 4 Easy Steps

1. Tankless water heaters

Notes:

• The chances are that you don’t have hot water running through the entire day. If you don’t use heated water often, using a water heater that keeps warm water constantly will waste a lot of energy.
• A tankless water heater saves energy by only heating water when you need it. Most current tankless water heaters only take a few seconds to heat your water, so you likely won’t notice a difference.
• Some ideas from the photo above: [ scroll back up ]
  • make sure you select the right tankless water heater size to fit your household
  • if you have simultaneous showers going at the same time, a smaller unit will not be able to supply the hot water needed for both showers
  • tankless water heaters will save on energy costs – but run the ROI before investing into an unit

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2. Smart thermostats

Notes:

• If your home is like many others, it’s empty for a large part of the day. People go to school and work during the day. The problem is that there isn’t a reason to maintain your home’s temperature during that time.
• A smart thermostat will change your house’s climate on a schedule. Changing your default temperature when people aren’t home will make your heating and cooling work less. You’ll extend the life of those appliances and reduce your energy costs in the process.
• Adding some home automation from the photo above: [ scroll back up ]
  • if you are going to switch to a smart thermostat, than consider other smart applications you can use for the home
  • these include controlling your thermostat, lighting, security cameras, motorized blinds, and more
  • all of these smart controls can be monitored and operated from your mobile device or tablet

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•    some ideas to view and compare      

  smart thermostatsmart home securitysmart home starter kit

3. Landscaping

Notes:

• You don’t have to focus on your indoor areas to make energy-efficient improvements to your home. You can do the same thing in your front yard while improving your curb appeal at the same time.
• Strategically placing shrubs and bushes in your yard will keep your home cool during the winter. By adding them next to your home, you block the cold wind from hitting your house and cooling it down.
• You can do the same thing with trees in the summer. The less space the sun has to hit your home, the less heat your home takes in. Adding shade to your home will keep your house cool in the summer months.
• Some landscaping ideas from the photo above: [ scroll back up ]
  • note how they have used shrubs, small trees and perennials to landscape their yard
  • these plantings absorb summer heat to help keep the house cool – and act as a blanket in the winter to help keep the home warm
  • note the arborvitae trees along the side of house – provides both decor and insulation
  • taller trees along the side of house provides shade – however, if you decide to use solar panel roofs, you need to maximize the sun exposure for maximum energy savings

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•    some ideas to view and compare      

  shrubs and bushesarborvitae treeslive trees

4. Solar panels

Notes:

• Do you want to reduce or eliminate your power bills? If so, investing in solar panels is the perfect way to accomplish that.
• Solar panels are a renewable energy source installed on your roof and will store energy from the sun. They tie into your home and power grid to power your home while the sun is out.
• Of course, solar panels are difficult to install yourself if you don’t have much electrical experience. You’ll need to get in touch with solar companies near you and get a quote for installation.
• Some solar tips to consider from the photo above: [ scroll back up ]
  • solar panels must be positioned on the roof to maximize solar exposure during the day
  • you want them positioned for both summer and winter rays
  • note that you can have trees for shade – but the tree can’t block sun exposure
  • so analyze the cost of not having tree shade to keep your home cool into your analysis of using solar

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•    some ideas to view and compare      

  roof solar panelsfreestanding solar systemsolar lights outdoor

An eco-friendly home is worth investing in

Notes:

• Investing in an eco-friendly home isn’t only worth doing for the environment. If you do things right, you’ll be able to recoup your investments by saving on your power bill. Use the ideas above to start reducing your carbon footprint.
• So what make an energy efficient home from the photo above: [ scroll back up ]
  • proper insulation in the attic, walls and around doors and windows
  • efficient appliances and lighting
  • low flow water fixtures for water conservation
  • high performance windows
  • energy production using solar and wind power

• FINAL REMARKS

  If you enjoyed the home improvement tips in this post, head back to our blog. Our latest posts have more ideas that will help you transform your home.

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  efficient light bulbslow flow water fixturesenergy efficient appliances

• What comments can you share about
  making your home more energy efficient