Being environmentally friendly has become more accepted by the general population. Being more eco-friendly can help keep our world more sustainable and save you some money! Thankfully being more environmentally-conscious isn’t a difficult undertaking. In fact, you can make a positive impact on the environment in your new home! Here are some small changes you can take to make your home eco-friendlier.
Swap in energy-efficient light bulbs
Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs is a quick and simple way to improve your energy consumption. They can be a little more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs but they consume an average of 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Another benefit is they tend to last longer so you’re replacing them less often.
Reduce paper product usage
Going completely paperless is a serious commitment but even using fewer paper products can make a big difference! Rely more on dishtowels, fabric rags, and cloth napkins to wipe up spills instead of paper towels and napkins
Use window treatments
Window treatments can improve the overall look of your home and keep nosy neighbors from peeking inside, but they also help reduce the amount of noise and sunlight that comes into a room, it also keeps heat out and cool air in on hot days, keeping your home cooler.
Reduce water use
Eco-friendly extends past energy efficiency; it also includes water conversation. There’s plenty you can do to reduce your water usage (which is especially helpful in the Bay Area due to drought conditions). Start by fixing any leaky faucets to reduce running water (including the toilet). Install low-flow showerheads and opt for showers over baths, fill your dishwasher all the way before running, and don’t run the water while washing your face or brushing your teeth.
Use a programmable thermostat
Programmable or smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s heating and cooling systems. These systems make it easier to monitor your energy use and allow you to create custom schedules so you’re not heating and cooling an empty house.
Turn off the lights
Switching off unnecessary lights and unplugging power strips is a simple act that can reduce a lot of energy. Power strips are sneaky sources of “energy vampires” – or appliances that leech energy while not in use.
At SummerHill Homes, we’ve partnered with Build It Green, a California non-profit that has developed the Green Point Rated® program, an objective home rating system based on energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor air quality, water conservation, and community development in California. Many of our current communities have received Build It Green GreenPoint Rated certification.
We invite you to join us on the path to a green future! Visit us online at SummerHillHomes.com to learn more about our green features, new home communities, and schedule a private appointment.