Huntsville is an area full of majestic natural beauty, and people who live here work hard to protect their community. Pursuing an eco-friendly lifestyle involves many things including making changes in the way you live and the space you live in. There are many simple ways to create a more eco-friendly home, and many are low cost, low maintenance and will save you money in the long run.
Cutting Back Your Energy Consumption
Because of the constantly changing climate in Huntsville and the severe winters this area often faces, insulating your home properly is one of the best steps you can take to create a more eco-friendly space. Insulating your walls and windows reduces your energy consumption and the associated cost to heat and cool your home. To begin the process of determining what areas of your home need insulation improvements, walk through your house, and pay special attention to any openings including cracks underneath your doors and all of your windows. If these areas feel drafty or any of the rooms in your house have temperatures that vary extensively from other areas, the cause may be compressed or ineffective insulation. Consider calling in a professional to help you better determine your insulation needs and the most effective materials to insulate with.
Another simple way to reduce energy consumption in your home is to change out your light bulbs. Low wattage light bulbs use less energy than traditional bulbs, and they are simple to replace. They also last longer, meaning you replace bulbs less often and reduce waste in our landfills. Motion detectors are other easy fixes to add to interior rooms and around the perimeter of your Huntsville home. They prevent you from forgetting to turn off lights and reduce your use of electricity. An additional benefit of motion detectors is that they deter burglars and make your home looked lived in anytime you are away.
The Main Culprits: Appliances
When it comes to items that use the most electricity in your Huntsville home, appliances top the list. Refrigerators, washers and dryers and stoves drain a significant amount of electricity especially if they are more than 10 years old. Consider replacing them with new, energy efficient models to save money over the long run and support your eco-friendly living goals.
Finally, remember the importance of conserving water if you want to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. Fix dripping faucets, or call a plumber to help. If your toilets are not low flow, replace them with units that use less water. Install a water saving showerhead, and replace your automatic dishwasher with a newer model if it is more than 10 years old.
If you are considering a home renovation in Huntsville, it is possible to create a more eco-friendly space without sacrificing quality. Alair Homes of Huntsville is an industry leading renovation specialist with a focus on green living. We offer free, no obligation consultations where we share our innovative ideas for creating fully functional, environmentally friendly spaces. If you would like to learn more, give us a call today.