Insulate your Home - Go Green and Save Money
Going green is not just good for the environment; it can also be great for your pocketbook. In fact, implementing a few easy environmental projects right within your own home, can help to significantly reduce your annual household budget. Consider starting out by making some simple alterations to the way your home is insulated, which can reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time.
Home insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to cut down on the amount of energy that is required to run your home. In fact, there are a number of small improvements that cost very little money to implement, and will pay for themselves over time while saving you money in the meanwhile.
For example, keyholes, open fireplaces, old boilers, vents and window frames should be sealed so they can no longer allow drafts. These simple steps will also make your home's heating and cooling systems run less frequently to keep living spaces comfortable year round, and are highly effective ways to reduce your home's energy costs on a budget.
By applying caulk, foam or brush strips to the edges of windows you can reduce the amount of escaping air. Fireplaces can be covered with attractive metal or wooden screens to seal them when not in use. For keyholes, you can purchase attractive keyhole covers in a variety of styles and colors. To help your water heater work more efficiently and retain heat longer, purchase a slip-on cover at your local hard wear store.
More expensive projects include filling wall cavities with new insulation and installing loft and/or attic insulation. Although more costly, these are still surprisingly affordable (especially if you consider the long term savings) and there are even some states where government funding is available to help with the cost of insulating your home.
This trend towards governments and individuals considering ways to reduce the rate of energy consumption is due in part to the growing realization that the health of the entire world has become a global issue. Developed nations are setting more money aside to help developing countries become more environmentally conscious and are putting plabs in place to help reduce the amount of energy that is wasted needlessly around the world.
As soon as your home is free from drafts you will be able to heat and cool it more cheaply and efficiently. You may even be able to drop the thermostat by a degree or two, and you will notice the added savings in your monthly gas, electric and/or oil bills, all of which adds up to make insulating your home a great reason to go green and do your bit for the planet.
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