If you think about it, saving some cash is just as good as getting a raise or working another job. Either way you have more money in your pocket. Here are a few suggestions to go green in Glenview to save some green in your life.
1. You may not realize it, but that old fridge in your basement may be costing you as much as $150 per year in energy costs over what a newer EnergyStar appliance would cost.
2. Do you have a programmable thermostat but don't use it much? You could be saving three to five percent of your power bill for every degree you turn your thermostat down in winter or up in summer. And a programmable thermostat can make it almost painless! Have it set to heat up your house a few degrees before you get up in the morning, and once everyone has gone off to work or school, set the thermostat to move the temperature back down a few degrees.
3. Why not dress up your water heater and water pipes this year? A new insulating jacket for the water heater will only set you back about $20, and insulation for the pipes is even less expensive than that. They'll pay for themselves in a short time.
4. Make a note on your calendar to clean your furnace's air filter once a month, at least during the time of the year when it will be running most.
5. In hot weather, run the dishwasher during the evening hours to avoid heating your home up during the warmest part of the day.
6. Use ceiling fans to circulate the air in your rooms, helping to heat and cool throughout the year.
7. Install new water-efficient toilets to save on the water bill. You may want to check with your local city government as many of them offer rebates to homeowners who save water this way.
8. Replace incandescent light bulbs with EnergyStar compact fluorescent bulbs. They may seem a bit funny looking at first, but when you see how much energy they can save, you'll be the one laughing.
9. Check the attic and add insulation if the old stuff is going flat or is non-existent.
10. If you have windows that face either the east or the west, you may want to add some shading to them if possible during the summer. If there are no trees on those sides of your home, consider putting up awnings to shield the windows from the sun. Do-it-yourself tinted window film is another fairly simple option.
If you prefer to buy a home that is already equipped with green features, be sure to call The Marla Schneider Team today at 847-657-3790 or contact us online to assist you in finding just what you need in Glenview, Northbrook, Wilmette or on the North Shore.
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