When it comes to going green, it’s a good idea to start with yourself and your home. However, it’s not as hard as it may seem to make sure your home is energy efficient and green. Use these tips, from replacing lightbulbs to installing replacement windows on your Kirkland, WA home to go green:
- Recycle – Recycling may seem trivial, but it's actually very important for keeping your home green. Try putting a second or even third bin next to your garbage to make it easy to separate items as you discard them.
- Install Energy Efficient Replacement Windows – Homeowners spend a lot of money insulting their homes to keep them at comfortable temperatures in the winter and summer months alike, but many forget that windows can do a lot of damage when it comes to insulation. Keep your home more comfortable, your energy bill down, and your carbon footprint small by installing energy-efficient replacement windows on your home.
- Replace Your Lightbulbs – Incandescent lightbulbs are bad for the environment and your bank account. An incandescent bulb costs around $8 per year, while a fluorescent bulb only costs $1.
- Stock Up on Power Strips – Power strips are not only convenient for plugging in multiple items and protecting electronics from power surges. They can also help limit energy leakage through your outlets to prevent unneeded energy use
- Adjust Your Thermostat – Heating and air conditioning make up a little more than half of the average home’s energy usage. Lower your energy usage by adjusting your thermostat up or down a few degrees, depending on the season. This will cut down on your spending and help the planet.
- Stock Your Fridge – The more food is in your fridge the less hot air can get inside when you open the door. Continually cooling large amounts of warm air that enters your fridge costs both you and the planet. Keep it stocked to prevent hot air from getting in.
- Prevent False Temperature Readings – A lot of electronics and household appliances give off heat. If one of these items is near your thermostat, it can cause the thermostat to read the home hotter than it actually is and run your AC more than it needs. Try and keep your thermostat away from heat-producing appliances.
- Replace Siding – Just like old windows, old siding can reduce your home’s insulation and therefore its energy efficiency. Invest in new siding to reduce your temperature losses.
- Shade your HVAC – Direct sunlight can overheat your HVAC unit, making it use even more energy to cool itself and your home. Shade your HVAC unit with a fence, tree, or a special HVAC shade for sun protection.
Just reach out to Puget Sound Window & Door if you would like to learn more about Kirkland, WA replacement windows or would like more tips on going green. You can visit us at 445 E Main Ave Puyallup, WA 98372 or give us a call at (253) 904-8658 today.