Make Eco-friendly Home Improvements

Going green is what’s very in right now and mostly likely forever. Many people want to “go green” but don’t know where to begin. Although installing solar panels are a great way to make your house sustainable, there are many other easier ways to give back to the earth and put money in your pocket as well. Here are our easy ways to do your part and turn your house and your lifestyle into an environmentally friendly one in the comfort of your home - and you will actually end up saving money! Balboa Realty is here for all of your orange county real estate needs.

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Start Making Small Improvements

Making little changes to your daily life will in turn make a huge difference, save energy, and save you money. Start by being aware of the temperature in your house. Program your thermostat so that it turns off for the hours of the day that you are gone. Be diligent and when you leave a room, flip the switch and turn off the lights. Set the temperature on your water heater to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Unplug appliances when you aren’t using them. Appliances that are plugged in still use a small amount of energy that adds up over time and is a waste. Also, make it a house rule to take your shoes off before entering. Almost 40% of indoor contaminants are from the outdoors and this small action of kicking them off before you walk around the house and wiping them on a door mat can make a world of a difference. These are such quick and easy things to do that will become habits with just a little time.

Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products  

You can make your own cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda to clean your house, or if the DIY approach is not your thing, choose eco friendly products. There are many different products lines such as Puracy, Seventh Generation, Sal Suds, etc. that use pure ingredients and are chemical free. Before buying a product make sure your do your research and read the label. Many products claim to be natural and safe, but their formations might still include ingredients like allergens, toxins, and carcinogens that are harmful for both your body and the environment. Use EWG.org to check if products are safe or not. 

Seek Advice From The Experts 

If you're committed to going green and are seriously considering turning your home into an environmentally friendly and efficient home, a good place to start is with a home energy audit. This will help you understand all of the possibilities for turning your home green. Professionals will be able explain the cost and the impact of different options like solar panels, insulation, efficient light bulbs etc. Investing in home improvements that are environmentally friendly will ultimately save you money with all types of tax deductions, credits, rebates and discounts. You will also save money on your monthly bills just by switching to a green llifestyle.

Published on Tuesday, April 25, 2017