Your Garden Grows

Desiging A Stylish Home That Is Earth-Friendly

Nowadays, homeowners are looking for a living arrangement which is more energy efficient. Whether it is due to their budget or if you are trying to help the earth by using less energy, a great way to accomplish your goals is to make small changes throughout your home that add up to big energy savings. Many of the minor changes are affordable and will not take long to accomplish. The more expensive upgrades like installing light panels and tankless water heaters may not be an option for everyone. However, there are a number of things homeowners can do that will not break the bank. Your lighting methods in your home make a big difference in usage of energy. If you use aPiano light, it will provide soft lighting. A grand piano lamp provides subtle lighting, highlight a prized piece of furniture, and gives the room just enough lighting to make it comfortable. Other ways of using subtle, energy efficient lighting is to install picture lighting to highlight art and small table lighting to provide localized illumination.

If you are looking for ways to keep sunlight out during the warmer months so the rooms stay cooler, forego the expensive energy efficient windows and opt for thick shades or curtains. These window coverings offer protection against the suns UV rays and it will lower the temp in any room. During the colder months when you need to heat the interior, you will still want sun shining in and you can open the curtains during daylight hours. However, in the evening, the window coverings will provide protection against drafty windows and warm air will stay inside. For an added layer of budget-friendly protection, install plastic sheets to cover and protect the windows. Again, this block the drafts but the clear plastic lets in sunlight.

Chances are, especially if you live in an older home, there will be drafty areas other than the windows. These can be sealed up in a variety of ways that are affordable and barely noticeable. You can use insulation foam which is easy to use for doors, floors and ceilings. It comes in several colors so you can match the interior surface and you can insert the foam into even the smallest of areas, protecting your home from drafts. Many homeowners will install foam weather stripping around doors to create as an added layer of protection. Since doors open and close, the stripping is a better option than the squirt foam. Both are small changes that are barely noticeable so they will not affect the style of the home and an affordable and energy efficient home.

Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars on energy upgrades, or foregoing any changes because you can not afford these expensive options, look for ways you can make small changes without breaking the bank.