Houses these days can have quite large footprints on the already degrading environment. Statistics by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that buildings in the US account for almost 40 percent of all energy consumption. If each of us did our part to conserve the environment, the combined effect would have result in a cleaner and greener environment. You can do your part by incorporating the following into your rental homes:
Install Wall Insulation
Energy can be greatly conserved by insulating the walls. Newer homes do come with some levels of insulation, but you could benefit more by adding extra insulation. Insulation helps retain heat indoors in winters, and keeps the house cooler in summers, thereby reducing energy consumption of heating or cooling the house.
The US Department of Energy lays emphasis on inspecting the R-value of a home to figure out the amount of insulation installed. The R-value determines the resistance to heat, after all, the insulation is supposed to keep heat on the right side of the walls of your house.
The best way to have an inspection done is to find out if your utility company carries out free inspections to determine the heating efficiency; if not, you can get in touch with any contractors that can provide inspection services.
Treat Your Windows
Window treatments also help by conserving energy in the long run and reducing both cooling and heating expenses. Curtains and blinds not only improve the look of your house, but would also add to the privacy.
You can use darker colors during winters, and lighter ones to reflect the heat in summers. Using a light-colored curtain – such as white – can significantly reduce heat gain.
Select Better Materials
Some of the cabinets that are made out of a particle board are usually attached together using formaldehyde based glue. Formaldehyde is known to exhibit carcinogenic properties and significantly reduces the quality of the air.
You should ensure that you have minimal exposure to such compounds by selecting materials that do not contain harmful substances.
As for the flooring, use sustainable resources such as bamboo or stone to go easy on the environment.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Old appliances tend to consume more energy because they are less efficient. Replacing them with newer, more efficient models can bring down your electricity costs; opt for those appliances that have the Energy Star label on them to benefit from greater energy savings.
