frugal eco-friendly living

According to the survey, most people think “going green” can add extra costs. This lifestyle is beyond their budget. According to them, having organic foods and keeping solar panels or other eco-friendly appliances can be expensive. So, now the big question, is it possible to live green within budget?

7 Tips for going green within budget

Here goes some tips you can try to live a greener life in your budget, which will save money and help the earth as well.

1. Say “no” to machine dryer

Try to dry your clothes on air. Drying clothes on open air is an effective way to reduce electric consumption. Remember, clothes dryers are one of biggest energy suckers around your home. So, once you start drying clothes outside, you'll find how successfully, you can reduce electric bills and save money.

2. Be sure about the proper insulation

This is one of the most important things that should be kept in mind while building an eco-friendly lifestyle. The main purpose of insulation is to stop the heat entering into your house and going out from your house. The old houses are not insulated as modern house. Old houses lose lots of heat through their walls. Make sure, the insulation that you choose should be included into the design of the eco-friendly house with the walls allowing sufficient space for the insulation to fit inside.

3. Look for proper air tightness

Air leakage is another reason of energy loss. Due to the leakage of air, it is seen that more heat gets lost than from any other part of your house. The main places where you should check for air tightness are doors, windows, electrical boxes, cracks and ceiling fixtures. The places that can provide a path for the outdoors can be a probable position for air leakage. You can use weatherstrips, rubber gaskets so that you can seal all the possible openings. If you’ve a chimney in your house, keep the flue closed otherwise air will pass freely in and out of your house.

4. Install LED bulbs

You can save almost 75 percent energy and approx $6 per year by using LED bulbs. LED bulbs produce 75 percent less heat and last up to 10 times than other bulbs as well. So, if you install LED bulbs you can save both replacement cost and energy. But, just replacing all bulbs with LED is not enough. If you really want to save energy, don’t forget to switch off lights when you’re not in room.

5. Keep appropriate windows

If you build your house in such a way that you don’t have the right windows, you’ll be losing a significant amount of heat from your house. The ways by which windows lose heat are emission of energy, air leakage, transmission and convention. In case, you don’t have double-pane windows that save energy, you can change them and get new ones once you’ve some extra money in hand. Those who are currently renovating or building home will surely ask the contractor for appropriate windows. These windows may cost little high, but they are worth the investment for your savings.

6. Use programmable thermostat

Try to install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature of your house. There is no meaning to make your house cooler or warmer when you’re not at home. Programming the thermostat will allow you to adjust the temperature according to the weather or your presence at home.

7. Keep ventilation to allow fresh air

You need to keep in mind that you should keep fresh air inside your house. Different houses have different facilities, but you’ll find many mechanical ventilation systems that have added the preservation of heat possibilities in your house. Try to talk to your contractor about proper ventilation in your house while renovating. Fresh air is good sources of positive energy. So, try to allow fresh air as much as possible instead of the air conditioner.

Read more: Make a green oath - 51 Ways to save mother earth and your wallet

Bottom lines

Most importantly, staying eco-friendly doesn’t always mean buying expensive tools and appliances. You need to decide first before replacing the items. Try to keep those items which can be repaired. Allow some natural light and air in your home. Close the curtains at night and keep them open during the day in cold weather. Thus, you can give your home an eco-friendly essence without pinching your pocket!

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