Did you know that you can adopt some new ideas and habits that not only reduce your impact on the environment but also create a healthier situation for your home? Learning to live a green life isn’t as challenging as some people assume. Below are five ideas you can use to make your home healthier for you and the planet.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to save energy while keeping your home cool. They are economical, energy efficient and are much quieter than air conditioning units, reducing noise in your home. Studies show that by reducing noise in your home, you can reduce stress. While having fans in key rooms is essential, you may also want to consider placing fans in stairwells. This helps cool your entire house by pulling air throughout your home. Fans can also keep you warm in the winter by reversing the direction of the spinning blades because it pushes the warm air down, keeping it on the main floor.

Use Dimmers and Compact Fluorescent Lights

Dimmers are a great way to set the ambiance of a room. What you might not know, however, is that they can also extend the life of your lightbulbs. Dimmers control the wattage that the lightbulbs use, reducing energy costs. Another way to save on money is to switch from incandescent lightbulbs to compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Sure, the upfront cost is a bit more, but you will save more money in the long run because they last longer and use less energy.

Inspect and Upgrade Your Insulation

Your home insulation is one of the most important features to consider when you’re trying to save energy. Old insulation doesn’t have the same insulative properties as newer insulation. This means it is not as effective at keeping your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Having it inspected by a professional not only lets you know if you need new insulation, but also allows professionals to check for moisture trapped in the walls. Wet insulation is less effective and it can become contaminated with mold, which is a health issue.

Putting Your House to Bed

At the end of the day, you’re not the only one who needs a break. Your home needs to be put to bed as well. You can do this by switching off all the lights, major appliances and electronics that you don’t need. This makes your home quieter and darker, which will improve your sleep. It will also save on your overall energy costs because you’re not running lights and electronics you don’t need during the night.

Learn More

For more information on sustainability or for details on insulation, contact USI online to find a branch near you and get a free quote. USI believes in excellence in every step of the process and ensures timely completion and quality of service, time after time.