As we strive to reduce our carbon footprints, many of us look to simple ways to improve our homes with slight energy efficient updates. While adding weatherstripping to those doors and windows and putting better insulation in your walls and attic can definitely decrease the amount of energy you use, and therefore your overall utility bills, there are a few leading innovations that can turn your energy efficient home to one of the leading green homes on the block.
When most people think of green homes, they think of homes built entirely out of recyclable materials complete with water recycling systems and rain collection barrels. While these homes are phenomenal in terms of their lack of carbon footprint, they aren't always easy to construct in already developed suburban areas. But that doesn't mean you have to forgo a home that has a lowered emissions and energy consumption. For those living in more developed areas, a few simple renovations and updates can turn their home into a smart home – saving them both energy consumption and money.
Vivint, as well as a few other competitors in the home monitoring industry, have recently started to construct home monitoring systems that do so much more than keep your home free of burglars. These companies have begun striving to create smart homes that will reduce a home's carbon footprint as well as save the homeowner money on utilities.
These systems are much more evolved than simple Energy Star appliances. They basically serve as an alarm system that will also monitor your home's thermostat. You can set it specifically to meet you and your home's needs regardless of the weather conditions outside, so that your home is always at an energy saving temperature.
So not only does the Vivint system, and other like it, provide you with a discount on your homeowner's insurance, but it will also help you save on your utility bills. Even better is that you can control these system remotely. So if the temperature that day got hotter or colder than you expected, then you can control your thermostat accordingly to keep your energy efficiency at optimum levels.
You can even control your home's lighting with the feature so you don't have to worry about leaving your lights on the entire time your gone to make it look like someone is home. Instead, you can save energy while also being safe by controlling the lights remotely and only turning them on when necessary.
So if you are looking for a great way to further reduce your home's energy consumption, consider turning it into a smart home. Not only will the discounts and energy saving allow you to pay for the system itself, but it will make your home a much safer and more efficient place – two things any eco-conscious homeowner wants in their home.
We have a winner of the Emerson Savannah Ceiling Fan Giveaway. The winner is:
Cheryl Malandrinos
She entered the giveaway and was chosen by me using random.org. Luckily for her 3 was chosen and she won!
Thank you to everyone who entered.
The beginning of the New Year is a great time to begin practicing environmental responsibility in your own home. Maintaining a green-friendly household is easier than you may expect and typically requires only minimal changes in order to reduce your overall energy consumption. Here are five green resolutions that can save you money while saving the environment as well.
Home energy audits
Assessing your home’s energy usage is an excellent way to identify problem spots and areas that need improvement. Professional energy auditors typically perform a thorough in-home inspection using specialized equipment including infrared camera setups and blower doors that can quickly and accurately find leaks in the exterior of your home, especially around windows, doors and other openings. Do-it-yourself energy audits can also provide valuable information to homeowners, but may lack the in-depth results possible from a professional in the field.
Insulate and save
In most cases, homeowners can improve the energy efficiency of their home by adding insulation to the walls, floors and ceilings. The attic and foundation of the home are statistically most likely to be under-insulated, making these the first areas to check when planning an insulation project. U.S. Department of Energy figures show that approximately 44% of the energy cost associated with maintaining a home is comprised of heating and cooling costs. Ensuring that attic spaces are adequately insulated can save from 10 to 40 percent of the cost of cooling your home in warm climate areas, so this green-friendly project can save you some green into the bargain.
Programmable thermostats
One of the most inexpensive ways to cut costs and increase the energy efficiency of your home is to replace old, outdated thermostats with new programmable devices designed to keep your home comfortable when you’re home while going into energy-saving mode when you’re not. Basic programmable thermostats can be set for specific times of day, while more expensive wireless thermostats can be accessed remotely by homeowners from cell phones, tablet computers or any other internet-ready device. These technologically advanced systems can make a major difference in the comfort level and energy costs of your home.
Energy efficient windows
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that replacing older windows with new Energy Star rated windows can reduce heating and cooling bills by as much as 15%. Financial incentives are available for both new and replacement installations of Energy Star windows for up to 10% of the cost of materials for these new window systems. Since Energy Star qualified windows can cost upwards of $300 apiece, these incentives can add up to a considerable amount of money for homeowners.
Water heaters
Modern energy efficient water heaters are available in three varieties:
• Traditional tank water heaters
• Gas condensing units
• Whole-home on-demand tankless
Traditional water heaters are good choices for homeowners who are comfortable with the amount of maintenance and the instant availability of hot water, but are the least energy efficient choice in most cases. Both gas condensing and on-demand tankless systems can save homeowners around 30% on the cost of water heating, making them the more efficient choices in most cases. However, upfront expenses can be considerable for these advanced water heating systems.
By resolving to reduce energy consumption within your home and considering these green-friendly projects, you can practice environmental responsibility throughout the New Year and keep more green in your wallet while you put more green in your daily routine.
Alex Levin is an online marketer for several nationwide surety agencies. When not educating entrepreneurs and contractors on bonding requirements, he enjoys fixing up his home and researching new construction techniques.
This giveaway is over. Thanks to all who entered.
I’m happy to announce a giveaway from Del Mar Designs! A lucky Ways2GoGreen Blog reader will win a Emerson Savannah CF716GBZ ceiling fan. This giveaway will run until January 31, 2012 (11:59pm EST).
Below is a photo and description of the Emerson Savannah CF716GBZ ceiling fan:
The Emerson Savannah CF716GBZ Ceiling Fan features a Gilded Bronze motor finish and reversible dark maple / medium oak blades. The handsomely designed grill and flanges define a sophisticated and subtle beauty while still maintaining a traditional feel. This Fan is Energy Star Rated which will help reduce the use of electricity while still adding comfort to a room. Energy Star fans can move 20% more air effectively and use approximately 50% less electricity that standard fans.
Del Mar Designs will ship the product at no cost to anywhere in the 48 Continental United States.
To Enter Giveaway: Like Del Mar Designs on their Facebook page or follow Del Mar Designs on Twitter and leave a comment below that you did Like them on Facebook and/or now follow them on Twitter. The winner will be selected from those who left a comment on this post using random.org and the winner will be announced on Wednesday February 1, 2012. Good luck!!
There is much advice to be taken about becoming environmentally friendly, ecologically conscious, and living sustainably — in other words - going greens. As people, our combined efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, recycle, and use renewable energy sources like wind, biofuel and solar energy will go a long way toward improving the state of our world. But perhaps the best way that we can improve the environment is to take personal responsibility for consuming less resources. Consuming fewer resources doesn't just mean turning off the water when you brush your teeth or flipping off the lights in the hallway when you go to bed. Consuming less is a comprehensive strategy for conserving our natural habitats by changing our societal roles from that of passive consumers to active citizens. Here are a few ways to 'go green' by consuming less:
Don't rely on fuel to move. For hundreds and thousands of years humans got around without spewing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Clearly, in today's world there are times when we must transport ourselves quickly and for those occasions automobiles may be necessary. But as a citizen who is a part of the ecology that is suffering from global warming, make the decision to take public transportation, or choose to walk, go for a jog, or ride your bike. Make a conscious effort to consume less fuel.
Don't buy furniture without a C2C certification. Having a Cradle 2 Cradle certification means that the furniture was manufactured using sustainable lumber and energy-efficient production methods. It also ensures that your furniture won't have toxic chemicals in it and will be easy to recycle. The C2C standard can be applied just as meaningfully to appliances, buildings, and urban conditions as well.
Shop from local markets and merchants who don't use plastic. Stop buying materials packaged in non-sustainable plastics and non-biodegradable materials. When you buy groceries, don't get them from big grocery stores that spray their vegetables with pesticides. Instead, get them from local farmer's markets and take them home in your eco-friendly bags. Stop supporting chains that are wasteful.
In general, you should think about consuming less as a standard practice. Though we live in a consumer society, excessive commerce supports a mental environment of waste, indulgence, and un-sustainability. This translates into a physical environment of decimated ecosystems, over-fished oceans, and polluted skies. If we can curb our wasteful habits together, we will reduce our global footprint and live in harmony with the natural environment.
