Insulation may be on your mind now that the temperatures are dropping. Keeping your home well-insulated isn't only key in preserving your home's climate control, but can also help reduce energy costs by preventing energy leaks.
Traditional insulation, however, isn't the most eco-friendly of materials. If you'd prefer a greener option, try some of these options as discussed by This Old House.
*Cellulose, made of shredded newspapers and fire retardant. Cellulose is applied while damp and, when dry, works just as well as fiberglass.
*Cotton, which is an ideal insulation for floors and walls. Cotton insulation can be made from a variety of materials, including denim and other recycled cotton.
*Sheep's wool, a great natural alternative for insulation. According to This Old House, the sheep wool is fluffed and treated with pest control additives before being applied as insulation.
Colder months typically bring increased concerns about energy costs, which can vary widely depending on your heating source. The good news? There are two small things you can do to help prevent energy leaks, meaning you'll rack up noticeable savings on your energy bills.
The first? Install thermal shades. These are a great tool, especially if you can't afford to replace your home's existing insulation. Plus, thermal shades are helpful year-round. They block the sun in the summer, keeping your home cool, while also retaining heat in the winter so that you can keep your home comfy and cozy without spending a ton of money.
Thermal shades vary in price and can be found at many sources, including JC Penney. You'll be able to find thermal shades that suit your window type and home decor. Yep, that's right -- thermal shades are functional and they look nice, too. Think of it as an energy-saving win-win!
As rising energy costs continue to put strain on homeowner budgets (especially as we head into cooler months), saving energy is not only a great idea for the planet -- it will help you save money, too.
Luckily, saving energy is a lot easier than it sounds. In fact, there's one thing you can do that just may make a noticeable difference in your electricity bill.
Before you go to sleep, turn off your computer. Don't leave it in sleep or hibernate mode -- instead, completely power down your machine.
You may have heard that frequently turning your computer on and off might harm your machine, or use more energy. Yet the U.S. Department of Energy says the small amount of energy exuded when your computer starts up "is still less than the energy used when a computer is running for long periods of time."
We like things green here at C&H. We talk a lot about energy-efficient and environmentally products that you can use in your home and in your DIY projects, including VOC-free paint, CFLs, low-flow faucets and fixtures, and salvaged building materials.
Switching to all-natural cleaning products is another important step if you want to go green. You'll help eliminate harmful chemicals from your household, and decrease the amount of run-off pollution that goes out into the environment.
Want to give it a try? Whip up your own laundry detergent! It's simple, we promise. Megan B. of Shelterrific used a recipe given to her by her friend, Angie.
Supplies:
1 bar of soap (approx. 2 oz), grated. You can use laundry soap. If you end up with 4 oz. or more, adjust the recipe accordingly.
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda
3 drops essential oils (optional, but will give your detergent a fresh smell. Try lavender, citrus or vanilla.)
