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Apr 21, 2012
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Be green save money and feel warmer inside and out

Ok, being green isn’t always fun, it can be an inconvenience; and so can trying to save money. Unfortunately both of these things need doing and now is the time to start.
Fortunately, the two items often go together quite nicely, sooo if you feel like you should be saving more, and you would like to help the environment too, try these tips and kill 2 birds with one stone, so to speak.

Be Cooler With Your Heating

Learn to be smarter with your heating. Turning down your thermostat is the easiest way to start, but also consider turning radiators down or off in rooms you rarely use, and shut the doors to keep the heat in.
Moving your thermostat into the room you use most will also help to have a more consistent temperature, so that you can slash your heating bills but still stay toasty and warm.

Get New Windows And Doors

If you need new windows or doors, don’t put it off – upgrading can add money to the value of your home, so in many ways they pay for themselves anyway. Additionally though, you will of course save heat.
Look for leaks in window frames and around doors too – even around your garage door and front door. If you can reseal these gaps, or add some extra insulation you can very cheaply lower your heating costs.
Run Your Water Colder
When you turn on just the hot faucet, does the water burn you or is it just right? Chances are you have to mix it with the cold to get it just right?
If you do this you are paying to heat the water hotter than you need it, and then cooling it down again; it makes little sense. Turn down you water temperature and you will barely notice the difference.

Use The Sun

Even on cold days the sun offers a powerful way to gain heat. Try to get into the habit of opening the curtains in the morning and allowing the sun to heat your house throughout the day – then close them as soon as the sun goes down to retain the heat. It’s simple, but very effective.

Summary

Saving money and being green shouldn’t be too onerous, personally I like to keep my house nice and warm and cosy – but I also like to save money. By doing all of the above I can have the best of both worlds!

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