December 2, 2024 | Sustainable Home Tips
the green way to transition your home from summer to fall
Table of Content
As the vibrant hues of summer slowly yield to the warm and rustic shades of fall, it’s the perfect time to embrace the changing seasons with a green twist. As homeowners, we have the unique opportunity to not only adapt our living spaces to the upcoming shifts in weather but also to do so in an environmentally conscious manner. Embracing eco-friendly practices not only minimizes our ecological impact but also contributes to cost savings and a healthier planet. In this blog post, we’ll delve into five green home maintenance tips that will help you seamlessly transition your abode from the carefree days of summer to the cozy ambiance of fall, all while keeping sustainability at the forefront. From sealing windows and doors to conducting a home energy audit, let’s explore these mindful practices that blend comfort, efficiency, and eco-consciousness.
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Check and Seal Windows and Doors: As the weather starts to cool down, it’s important to ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts and energy loss. Use eco-friendly weatherstripping and caulking materials to seal any gaps and cracks, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors without excessive energy use. Weather stripping is an excellent DIY option as it is straightforward and can take just a day. You can find tips on how to weather strip your home at Better Homes and Gardens and you can find eco-friendly products which are PVC free online including felt and foam tape as detailed at My Chemical Free House.
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Optimize Heating and Cooling Systems: Prepare your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system for the upcoming season by cleaning or replacing air filters. Consider scheduling a professional maintenance check to ensure your system is running efficiently. You can also install a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat to control your home’s temperature more effectively, reducing energy consumption. Both services can be found in pigybak so that you can schedule around the same time as your neighbors and help curb emissions.
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Clean and Maintain Gutters: Before the leaves start falling, clean out your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs that could lead to water damage. Collect the debris and compost it if possible. You might also consider installing gutter guards to reduce future maintenance needs and prevent debris buildup.
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Harvest Rainwater: Fall often brings rain showers, making it a perfect time to set up rain barrels to collect rainwater. This harvested rainwater can be used to water your garden and plants, reducing the need for tap water and conserving resources. Over the past 20 years in the US, the average rainfall has ranged from 25 inches – 35 inches per year – and with a 1,360 square foot roof, that amounts to up to 28,560 gallons of water collected. You can calculate your water collection opportunity using the Gardeners calculator. For scale, the average American consumes 85 gallons of water daily according to EPA.
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Conduct a Home Energy Audit: Fall is a great time to perform a thorough energy audit of your home. Identify areas where energy might be wasted, such as inadequate insulation or outdated appliances. Use tools like thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint heat leaks. Make eco-friendly upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient LED light bulbs, upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, and adding insulation to your home. This proactive step can lead to significant energy savings and a more sustainable living environment.
As we bid adieu to the sun-soaked days of summer and prepare to welcome the crisp embrace of fall, let’s seize this opportunity to make a positive impact on our surroundings. By incorporating these five green home maintenance tips into our seasonal routine, we not only ensure a smooth transition but also play an active role in preserving our environment for future generations. From the simple act of weatherproofing our homes to the more intricate task of conducting energy audits, each action we take resonates with the larger goal of sustainable living. As stewards of our homes and the planet, let’s embrace this fall with open arms, armed with the knowledge that every small change we make contributes to a greener, brighter future. If any of this seems overwhelming to coordinate, add it to your wishlist in pigybak (launching August 14) and let the app find opportunities for you.
oinkers Author
