Living in an eco-friendly home is easier on the Earth and easier on your wallet – so check out these five ways to make your home more eco-friendly.
5 Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly
The standard advice on making your home eco-friendly is to buy energy efficient appliances and invest in solar panels, but what else can you do (especially if those things are out of your price range)? Here are five easy ways to make your house friendlier toward the environment:
- Use native plants in your landscaping
- Buy low-flow shower heads
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets
- Seal gaps around windows and doors
- Switch to LEDs and CFLs
Here’s a closer look at each.
#1. Use native plants in your landscaping
Native plants are good for the environment. Plants that aren’t used to North Florida will consume more water, and they can require more pesticides, fertilizers and care – so do yourself and the local environment a favor by choosing native or adapted plants.
#2. Buy low-flow shower heads
Old showerheads can release about 5 gallons of water every minute, and that adds up fast. In fact, showering accounts for about 17 percent of the average home’s water use. Making the switch to a showerhead with a WaterSense label can save a lot of water, which is good for the planet and your pocketbook.
#3. Fix leaky faucets and toilets
Leaking water can pose serious hazards from your home, but even if the water goes straight down the drain, it’s still a huge waste. If you see a leak you can’t fix on your own, call in the big guns – professional plumbers can fix things right up and then offer you suggestions on how to prevent problems in the future.
#4. Seal gaps around windows and doors
When conditioned air escapes your home, you’re paying for it – literally. Older homes often have gaps around windows and doors, but if you fix them, you could save up to 10 percent on your heating and cooling bill.
#5. Switch to LEDs and CFLs
In an average American home, about 12 percent of the energy bill goes toward lighting. Choosing LEDs or CFL bulbs can slash that dramatically because they use a lot less energy – and they last longer than standard incandescent bulbs do, too.
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If you’re moving to Lake City, we can help you find the perfect place to live. Call us at 386-243-0124 to tell us what you want from your home and we will begin searching right away.
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