Friday, April 20, 2018
If you have earth day plans, they may be to dig into your garden, plant a tree or spend time volunteering to pick up trash at your local park. But have you thought about turning your green efforts inwards? How about to your own home? Below are a handful of earth day tips to improve the efficiency of your home both inside and out, courtesy of Ply Gem.Inside
Window efficiency. Check for signs of drafts and seal any air leaks. If windows are extra drafty, consider adding weather-stripping around the frame. Time for new windows altogether? You will want to look into energy-efficient options to help improve thermal insulation and save energy.
Idling electricity. Unplug small electronics like computer monitors, cell phone chargers, lamp fixtures and other small appliances around the home while they are not being utilized.
Right lights. Make sure the lightbulbs in your home are halogen, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diode (LED). According to energy.gov, energy efficient lightbulbs use 25 percent -80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last 3 - 25 times longer.
Outside
Roofing. Check your roof for leaks, ponding water and damaged shingles, as those issues may lead to needed maintenance or a roof replacement. If you need to replace your roof, consider a green option, like roofing made from recycled materials.
Siding. If your home feels drafty, check your siding for any vulnerable areas where air may enter, such as loose or detached siding pieces. Siding that lays flat against a home’s exterior adds a continuous blanket of insulation and helps to improve a home’s thermal protection and preserve energy.
Learn your materials. If you are looking to make some outdoor updates, be sure to go with eco-friendly materials, such as vinyl siding, fencing, railings, windows and shutters. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, vinyl is one of the most durable and cost-effective construction materials. It offers a long life with little to no maintenance and can save on energy in the long run.
Source: Ply Gem
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