Frugal people are always looking for ways for saving money and to lower their energy bills, and green homeowners are always looking for ways to reduce their footprint. These two groups have a common ground: There are plenty of money-saving practices you can try at home that also help the environment. Better HVAC management and better water management, for example, are two huge ways you can lower your energy consumption and your monthly bills.
Installing a smart thermostat is an excellent way to get a handle on your home’s energy use. Heating and cooling accounts for about half of your home’s energy use, and combined with other homeowners, HVAC energy use produces about 85 tons of carbon dioxide pollution every year. You can do your part to lower this number by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for at least eight hours per day. This will reduce your home’s energy usage by 10 percent, which translates into a smaller energy bill each month.
Next, look at your water habits. Installing aerators and low-flow showerheads can help you use water more wisely. This is especially true with the latter, as showers account for almost a quarter of each individual’s water use. Finally, make sure you only wash dishes and clothes when you have a full load. Running the dishwasher or washing machine uses lots of water and energy, but you can optimize your consumption by only running these appliances when you have a full load. Other ways to save money and go green at home are covered in this infographic.
