Save Money and Go Green with These Energy Saving Products

One of the main reasons for buying a new home is the fact that homes today are built with updated technology to make them more energy-efficient, saving homeowners thousands of dollars over the years and saving the environment.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new home, your builder will probably talk to you about features such as multi-pane vinyl windows, enhanced insulation and air sealing and the overall energy-saving perks that come with a new home. But, if you’re not ready to go all-in on a new house, there are lots small changes you can make today that have a big impact on your monthly bill and the planet.

1. LED Lightbulbs- Try switching out lightbulbs in your home for LED lights. They are free of toxic chemicals and last up to 100,000 hours.
2. Nest Learning Thermostat- This Google thermostat allows you to program temperatures from your home or your smart phone, but it also learns your routine so you can save energy when you’re not home. Check out this video for more info. 
3. Solar-powered anything- sound systems, phone chargers, keyboards, there are tons of options for solar-powered gadgets in your home. Plus, with solar power, you don’t have to worry about the clutter of wires of running out of batteries.
4. Storm Doors- Installing a storm door gives your home an extra layer of protection from the weather all year. A glass storm door only costs about $75-$100 and can reduce energy loss by up to 50% in your home according to the US Department of energy.
5. Energy Star® Appliances- “Energy Star” is the symbol on any appliances that meet the government’s standard for being an energy-efficient product. While it can be pricey to replace all your appliances, it’s a good idea to check the age of your washer, dryer, refrigerator and dishwasher to see where you should invest. For example, if you have an older model dishwasher, you might be using 10 gallons of water per cycle, while an upgrade may only use 5 gallons.

Whether it’s a big change or a small one, every ounce of savings counts! Celebrate National Cut Your Energy Costs Day by doing something good for your wallet and for our planet.