Have you been considering some of those DIY projects more thoroughly around the house lately? Perhaps you’ve started researching local contractors, or priced out new windows.
You’re not alone.
While consumers have remained home due to pandemic regulations around the country, they seem to be taking more of an interest in the projects they’ve been putting off. For building materials, garden equipment and supplier dealers, sales data from the US Department of Commerce reports an 7.6% increase from March year-over-year sales.
While updating your pink fiberglass insulation to energy-efficient and cost-saving spray foam insulation is something we highly recommend, it’s not the only step to take.
1. Install a rain water barrel
Watering a lawn and garden is essential to the health of the landscape, but running water for hours at a time can be costly and unsustainable. One alternative is investing in a rain barrel. A rain barrel can be purchased at a reasonable price and stores rain water to use later when watering your landscape. Some cities and counties even offer discounted rain barrels to residents to encourage water conservation, so call your local municipality to learn about potential options.
2. Use a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat works by automatically raising or lowering the temperature in your house based on your selected settings to keep it comfortable when you’re home and save energy when you’re not. Smart thermostats are enhanced versions of programmable thermostats that can learn your habits and be controlled remotely from an app. With either option, you could potentially save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
3. Use natural light and update bulbs
The natural light that comes into a home does not cost any money, so it is a perfect source to naturally light up a room. Not only does this save on energy costs, the sunshine may boost your mood. On darker days and in the evening, turn on ENERGY STAR® certified light bulbs that can save up to 90% in energy consumption when compared to standard bulbs. Using less energy is better for the environment and for the wallet, so use electric lights only when needed and turn them off every time you leave a room.
ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered trademarks owned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
4. Upgrade to energy-efficient windows, appliances or HVAC System
Making energy-efficient home upgrades often requires an investment, but these upgrades can potentially increase your home’s value. For example, installing new energy-efficient windows or appliances or heating and cooling systems that use less energy could increase the value of your home. Many companies are offering drastically reduced pricing as well as attractive financing options.
5. Use green cleaning supplies
Natural and eco-friendly cleaning supplies do not use harmful chemicals, which is better for your local water supply and is a great option when cleaning surfaces your family uses often. There are many cleaning supply alternatives that are available at local retail stores that contain less potentially harmful chemicals, or you might consider making your own cleaners at home; you probably already have the supplies. Pantry staples like baking soda, distilled white vinegar and lemon juice are common ingredients for creating DIY cleaners that are better for the environment and often cost just pennies to make.
The Scorpion Spray Foam Insulation team are ready to assist you in your commercial spray foam, residential spray foam or metal building spray foam project. But until then, consider some of the steps above to keep your bills low and your carbon footprint small.