Today's homeowner is always looking for ways to save money around the home. Combining that with eco-friendly or green improvements can be expensive, however there are many ways you can go green and save money at the same time without spending a lot of money.
Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit is the first step in identifying how much energy you are using and what improvements should be taken to cut energy use and save money. An energy audit can identify ways to save an average of 30% on home energy costs and many Utility Companies offer rebates towards to cost of an audit. Some of the tests performed during a comprehensive audit include a blower door test (a diagnostic test designed to accurately measure and locate sources of air leakage in/out of your home), a thermal imaging analysis (test designed to identify sources of heat loss), and an energy savings payback analysis.
Recycle Your Electronics
Not only will recycling your old electronics and cell phones keep toxic materials out of landfills you can sell your old cellphones and tablets for cash at SellCell.com. SellCell is the largest comparison site in the US for people that want to sell their old Mobile Phones & Tablets. They compare the prices and user ratings from all the main buyers in the US, saving you time and hassle and also guarantee the best price everytime or pay double the difference back if you find a price elsewhere that is higher on another site. SellCell features all of the top US brands like Gazelle, ItsWorthMore & Decluttr in our price and rating comparison for every model of Mobile Phones and Tablets.
You can also drop off your old cell phone at most of the major electronics stores and cell phone retail outlets such as: AT&T, Best Buy, Office Depot, Staples and Verizon. Another option is to donate your cell phone to support Domestic Violence Shelters via shelteralliance.net
Fix Leaking Faucets and Toilets
A running faucet wastes up to 74 gallons per day while a leaking toilet wastes up to 200 gallons of water per day. Repairing a leaky faucet is an easy DIY Project and can be as simple as replacing a $2 gasket. A leaking toilet usually involves replacing the flapper mechanism and is also a project that anyone with a wrench should be able to tackle with ease. As with any plumbing repair project you will need to shut the water off at the source and in an emergency you should be able to shut the water off at the main shutoff valve.
Don't Buy New
Why buy new when you can buy the same item for up to 75% less money? Many people refuse to even consider buying used items because they believe a new item will last longer and provide trouble-free use. While there are items that you should never buy used such as a mattress, bike helmets, and tires, buying used can be a smart way to stretch your dollar while still getting similar quality. Use Craigslist to buy used items or Freesharing to pick up that item you are searching for at no cost. If you are looking for used clothing one of the best places to start is Buffalo Exchange.
- Musical Instruments
- Video Games
- Exercise Equipment
- Baby Furniture
- Car
- Clothing
Go Green Outdoors
When making landscaping decisions consider planting plants that are native to your geographic area. Native flowers, plants, and trees require less fertilizer and water in most cases because they are adapted to the local climate. Using mulch will help to retain moisture in the soil, will help prevent weeds and keep soil cool in hot summer months. Did you know that watering your lawn accounts for up to 70% of a home's water usage? Water early in the morning and let the grass grow longer to help reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Do you consider eco-friendly qualities when making purchases or home improvements?
