Holland Energy 2050

Home Improvement:

Things you can do around your home.

Tips:
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- Think about investing in solar panels. They may be pricey upfront but think of the savings in the long run.

 
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-Replace all normal incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones.


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- Improve your roof.
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  - Insulate and block any leaks, hot water heater, walls of your home.


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  - Don't waste water.






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- Clean out filters of your air conditioners regularly.
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- Consider updating your thermostats. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Turn down your thermostat a couple of decrease.
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- Invest in a Pellet stove .

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- Upgrade your windows to have double or triple paned windows.
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- Replace windows that are tinted to reduce the glare of the sun. 
 
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- Put weather stripping around your doors and windows to keep air from coming into the cracks.
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- If you have a fireplace, install glass doors, they keep heat from escaping.
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- Use water based paints that are lead free. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Design your home so that it lets in a lot of light and you don't have to turn on lights until night.
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- Go organic with your floor.
Extra Information On Tips:
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- Purchase an air conditioner to attach to the solar panel. Think about it... Solar panel collects sun. When is your air conditioner on? When it's sunny. Make sense, doesn't it?
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 -They save lots of energy (70-75%) and they last longer too! The savings doesn't matter how much you use that light it will cost you less money and will save energy in the long run no mater where you install them. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
- Light color tiles decrease the temperature of your house. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  - Here in Michigan if you have ice icicles in the winter, insulate them. It will stop heat from leaving your house in the winter and cool air in the summer. Saving you money on your electric bill.
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- Check for leaky faucets and fix them.
- Shorten your showers.
- Don't leave the water on while you brush your teeth, or while you rub the soap on your hands.
- Install low flow shower heads, they cut down water usage and save energy cost. They also are removable so if you are renting you can take them with you.
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 - They lower your energy bills which saves you money. 
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- Throw on a comfortable sweatshirt when you are at home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- They are pricey but they are cleaner the log-burning stoves, and they are great for heat  use bio-trash in a good way. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
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  - This will reduce heat lost in winter and heat gain in summer. It also reduce the effect of fading on your fabrics and home furnishings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
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  - Use hardwoods or bamboo. These floors are really durable and organic.


Sources Used:

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/green-home-improvement-resolutions.html
http://www.toolbarn.com/blog/post/view/identifier/tips-to-be-green/
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/how-to-make-your-home-eco-friendly-7147.html