Vegan Builders: Energy Saving Home Improvements

Post by AVN Member, Dave

Many homeowners are looking for quick and easy green home improvements. Whether you want to make these improvements for the sake of going green or you want to make a few improvements before placing a home on the market, that will make it more competitive with new homes, there are plenty of options.

Joining the green revolution will make your home comfortable and less costly to heat and cool. Many of these improvements will also make your home more comparable to newer homes on the market. Make a record of your utility bills for the last year, then look for the savings on your future heating, cooling, and water costs.

Seven quick, easy, economical and green home improvements:

1. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs
Compact fluorescent bulbs cost a bit more when you buy them, but they will last years longer and use only a fraction of the energy that a regular light bulb uses. Start with the lights you tend to use for the longest period of time; like in the kitchen or bathroom. If you are planning to put your home on the market, you might want to start with bulbs in permanent light fixtures.

2. Install insulating/reflective window coverings
Film window coverings are available in several levels of light and UV ray blockage and colors. You can also choose different textures depending on the amount of direct sunlight in various windows. The window film is available in most hardware and home improvement stores, and it is easy to install.

3. Install weather stripping on doors and window frames
Weather stripping is relatively inexpensive and it is easy to install on door and window frames. It will reduce the amount of heat exchange by sealing up the cracks or openings. This will make your home more comfortable, more energy efficient, and more environmentally friendly.

4. Install low flow shower heads and faucets
Most homeowners can install new shower heads and faucets or can hire an inexpensive freelance handyman to do it. These faucets and shower heads use less water without blocking adequate water flow. They will save water and reduce your water and sewer bills.

5. Adjust the float in the toilet tank to use less water
This is a fairly simple adjustment that can be accomplished by most homewoners or an inexpensive freelance handyman. If you can't adjust it, try putting something in the bottom of the tank that will displace some of the water; like a container of rocks. Just be sure that what you use won't rust and won't get in the way of the the flushing mechanism.

6. Insulate the hot water distribution pipes
This is also relatively inexpensive and easy. Simply wrap the pipes that go from the hot water heat to the various plumbing fixtures (kitchens, bathrooms). Keeping the water warmer as it moves through the pipes will reduce the amount of water you have to run from a faucet while you wait for the water to warm up.

7. Install insulating or reflective window treatments
Install reflective blinds or shades on your windows. Then be sure to close them at times when the sun shines on them directly or during the warmest part of the day. This will reduce your heating and cooling bills.

Try these seven steps to make some quick and easy green home improvements. The money that you will save on utility bills will very quickly make up for the cost of making these adjustments.