Ways to Go Green This Earth Day
Celebrate an ambitious Earth Day this April 22nd by taking action to save the planet and save your money.
Cool Your Home Naturally (Plant a Tree)
As the move to warmer temperatures is near, planting trees around your home will cool it naturally, and cut costs and wear and tear on your air conditioning unit.
If you can’t get around to planting a tree, there are other energy conservation methods that will ultimately improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Close Chimney Flue When You’re Not Using It
Especially in the seasons when you are not using your fireplace, it is important to close the flue or damper when the fire is not burning. If you
have a gas fireplace, however, the damper must always stay open.
Yearly inspections on your fireplace and chimney will help keep everything functioning to top performance.
Switch to LED bulbs and Energy Saving HVAC Products
A part of Earth Day, a simple cleaning project is to dust the light fixtures in your home. While you’re doing that, make sure the bulbs are LED - light emitting diode bulbs.
As incandescent are being phased out, the switch to higher priced LEDs are one option, and exciting because they offer 78 lumens per watt of light compared to 13 for incandescent and 18 for halogen. Prices have reduced because of demand, and LEDs last up to 25 per cent longer.
Adjust Your Thermostat to Lower/Higher Depending on Weather
If you aren’t sure what temperature to lower your thermostat to for the warmer months, try adjusting 1 or 2 degrees per day to measure your comfort.
Just 1 degree reduces your energy bill 1% for an 8-hour day. Using this graduation method will save you money instantly, and be a guide for you to saving monthly on your energy bill.
Switch to Solar Powered Appliances
Living so-called “off the grid” by using solar powered appliances is becoming fashionable amongst green earth-conscious consumers. Basic appliances like chargers, outdoor lights, lanterns, and even solar generators that can power laptops, and smartphones are available.
While putting solar panels on your roof is expensive, you can still power certain things in your home with solar in an affordable way. By using these suggested devices, you can light your walkways at night, work on your laptop, and charge your smartphone. Every initiative made to save hydro energy is well worth the effort.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
These Earth Day tips are just a few ways that will greatly reduce your carbon footprint and make the earth more eco-friendly, while reducing the emissions from hydroelectric energy.
Once you get into the habit of using these energy-saving techniques, you will look for yet more ways to contribute to a healthy home and planet.
If you need some quick advice or inspections on your home, call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning today in Boston, MA at (617)-566-6990.
