Creating a home that’s green is important for a variety of reasons. According to Energy.gov, 40% of the energy consumed in the United States is used by homes and commercial buildings, and the majority of this energy comes from fossil fuels. Plus, our homes can have a major impact on the environment, with pollutants coming from our fertilizers, automobile fluids, trash, pesticides, animal waste, paint, and more. These pollutants can end up in storm drains and later, in our streams, lakes and oceans. It’s important to be aware of the effect the way we live our lives will have on the earth in the years to come, and there are a few easy things you can do to make your home more environmentally-friendly.

Creating a Greener Home in 5 Steps

Creating an eco-friendly home can be done by making some smaller changes that won’t even cost you a thing. Of course, going to the extreme like adding solar panels to your home and purchasing all brand new, energy-efficient appliance are also great steps to take if they are realistic for you! But here are 5 steps to a greener home that the average person can take part in:

• Leave the shoes at the front door. Did you know your shoes track in all sorts of pollutants and toxins? It can be pretty scary to think about! Things like pesticides, anti-freeze, oil and fertilizers stick to the bottom of your shoes and can easy end up on your floors and carpets. Leave your shoes and boots by the entryway so these pollutants don’t end up tracked into your house and into the air.
• Install energy-efficient lighting. LED (light emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs use up to 75% less energy than your standard incandescent bulbs, plus they can last 10-25 times longer! That means you’ll be saving money on your monthly energy bills and also reducing the amount of bulbs that end up in the trash and landfills.
• Fix those leaky faucets. The average household leaks account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. It’s time fix that drippy faucet or running toilet, even if it means you have to contact a plumber. This will not only make your home greener, but you’ll save on your water bill, too.
• Invest in a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats are unlike a typical programmable thermostat in that they allow for full control over your home’s heating and cooling. They can learn the behaviors of your family, too, which means they’ll know to shut off the furnace or air conditioning at certain points of the day. Since thermostats are responsible for controlling 10% of the U.S. energy consumption, a smart thermostat can reduce the average U.S. energy bill by 30%.
• Fill your yard with native landscaping. This is a literal way to make your home green, but it’s also great for the environment! If you surround your home with plants and trees that are native to your area, it will take less maintenance using fertilizers and pesticides.

Do you have questions about making your home more energy efficient? If you’re in the Cleveland area, contact us or give us a call at 216-663-6462.