With Earth Day around the corner on April 22nd, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can make our homes more “green.” 

We’ve all come a long way since Earth Day started back in 1970, whether it’s recycling at home or seeking out more eco-friendly products, or even adding solar panels to the roofs of our homes. 

Even small changes in our homes can impact our energy use, which helps our home be more efficient and possibly save you money off your utility bills! 

Here are some easy DIY fixes that you can do today or over a weekend to make your home more energy-efficient.

1. Get a Programmable Thermostat

If you don’t have one already, then this is a must-do. It allows you to schedule your home’s temperature automatically depending on your daily routine – increase the temperature when you wake up, decrease when you’re at work, increase when you come home, and decrease again when you go to bed. There are so many product options out there with high-tech features such as motion sensors. You’ll save money by heating and cooling your home at the right times for you and your family. Prices have come down over the years, so you should be able to find one in your price range. 

2. Use a Smart Power Strip for Your Electronics

It’s time to leave your old power strips in the dust and look into a “smart” power strip. Who doesn’t see all the glowing lights from electronics when you turn off a light at night? That’s wasted energy! The traditional power strips probably have encouraged you to keep many of your electronics plugged in constantly, using power even when you’re not using them as they wait in standby mode. Smart strips will shut down power to products on standby mode and save you 5-10% of your energy consumption.

3. Install the Correct Lightbulbs for Your Needs

Gone are the days with only one lightbulb option!  But with all those options shopping for a lightbulb can be confusing! Before you buy new bulbs, make sure you understand the differences between LEDs, CFLs, and Halogens so you don’t waste money on the wrong bulb. The technology keeps changing and improving so you might find one you like better now. Since these lightbulbs can last longer and are more expensive, make sure the manufacturer has a good refund or exchange program if something does go wrong.

4. Hang Your Laundry to Dry

If you don’t already, do what my mom did and my mother-in-law still does, hang your clothes to dry!  Whether you use a clothes rack indoors or outside on a clothesline, your clothes, your utility bill, and the environment will thank you! It can help you cut down on the number of loads you put in the dryer each week – which translates to less electricity used.  Plus, the sun is a natural disinfectant, and your clothes come out smelling so fresh!

5. Install Ceiling Fans

Even though HGTV decorators hate these and want to take them down, they can help your rooms stay cooler or warmer.  Fans can be a low-energy way to keep air circulating, so you can keep your temperature set higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Remember to have the fans reversed in the winter, so the air is pulled upwards and away from you. The selection of stylish ceiling fans has improved a lot over the years, so you should find some that match your style.

6. Insulate Exposed Water Pipes

Wrap your hot water pipes in the basement or garage with pipe insulation so they don’t lose heat as the water makes its way to your faucets. It can make a two-to-four-degree difference. Check the pipes coming out of the hot water heater and insulate at least the first three feet.

7. Double Check Your Vents 

Walk around your home and make sure you’re not blocking your air vents with furniture or piles of stuff. You want this airflow to circulate efficiently to avoid having the heating and cooling blowing constantly. As well as keep them dust-free.

8. Plant a Tree

It sounds simple, and it can be simple. Having a shade tree can help cool your home during the hot summers.  Did you know it can be 10% cooler in the shade? You and your home will be much happier since less AC will need to be cranking. With less direct sunlight on your home, you’ll save energy costs.

Don’t forget about the energy tax credits that many cities, states, and even the federal government offer when you make any energy improvements.  You might get some tax savings when you go green!

I hope these tips save you money and help save the environment too.   Let me know if you have any questions!