Clean all of your air filters: Most air filters are inexpensive and easy to replace or clean. You can often find air filters in central air conditioner systems and forced hot air heating systems. You should replace the central AC filter three to four times each year. Dirty air filters can cause your AC systems to run longer and can increase your overall utility costs. You can also save money by making your own air filters or purchasing them in bulk quantities.
Add more insulation: The more insulation you use, the more energy efficient you home will be. Insulation is expensive but you will often gain big savings in your utility bills throughout the year. Insulation serves as a thermal barrier that helps block the outside weather from greatly affecting the comfort level inside your home. Many people remember to insulate their attics, but they do not know how to put insulation in a basement.
Replace old windows: Windows can leak over time, letting in drafty air which can make all your home’s insulation a waste of money. New windows can greatly cut down on outside air flow and lower your energy bills. Face it: your home has lots of large holes in the walls, and those holes are covered thin sheets of glass that let in lots of cold air when they should not.
By making your home more green you are not only helping the planet but also reducing your bills and saving lots of cash in the long run. Making your house more green in its energy usage can also save you some green cash over time. Of course, all of these improvements will be costly at first, but they will gradually pay for themselves.
