4 Ways to Create a Greener and More Energy-Efficient Home

Going green is no longer a fad; it’s now the way to go, and the best place to start is your home. While creating a greener and more energy-efficient home might seem like an impossible feat, it’s actually quite easy if you know which parts of your home to improve first.

In this post, our energy-efficient experts at Handyman Connection of Lincoln list four simple ways to create a greener home.

1. Unplug Unused Electronics

Anything that has an LED that glows even after you turn it off will continue to draw power and cost you money in the long term. Things like your TV, cellphone charger and printer all use power even when they aren’t turned on so long as they’re plugged. Unplug these from your wall sockets; you might save as much as $200 a year on your electric bill.

2. Replace Your Old Windows

Your windows play a big role in insulating and ventilating your home, and will either negatively or positively affect the comfort and overall energy efficiency of your home. An old and worn out window has probably lost its airtight seal, and this means it’s letting in drafts and heat into your home.

Check your home for old and worn out windows and replace them. When you’re looking for new replacement windows, pick those that bear the ENERGY STAR® sticker. This is a guarantee that a product was engineered to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

3. Let the Grass Grow Out

It’s tempting to mow the lawn when the grass gets to a certain height, but did know that letting your grass grow out actually helps improve your home’s energy efficiency? Grass absorbs sunlight, and if you let it grow, it’s going to draw in heat and light away from your home – essentially cooling your house. You can’t get any greener than that!

4. Invest in ENERGY STAR-Rated Appliances

Finally, make it a point to replace your old appliances with new ones with an ENERGY STAR rating. A high rating means the item in question — whether it’s a light bulb or a washing machine — will consume up to 35 percent less energy than its standard variants. Compact fluorescent bulbs, for example, consume approximately 75 percent less electricity and last up to 10-times longer than the typical incandescent bulbs.

Keep these green improvement tips in mind and you’ll have a greener and more energy-efficient home. Call Handyman Connection of Lincoln at (402) 205-2575 for all your home improvement needs, or fill out our online form for more information on our services.