Living in Santa Cruz has endless benefits. Not only are we close to the coast with beautiful views and exceptional weather, but we are also proud to live in a community on the brink of technology with neighbors who may be working on making the world a better place to live.
Why not take this sentiment home and opt for a few eco-friendly changes to your lifestyle that will help save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint?
Try some of these tips today:
Improve Your AC Efficiency
If you run an air conditioner in the summer, make sure it’s working at peak efficiency by investing in AC maintenance and keeping your air filters clean. Other ways to reduce air conditioning costs is by running a ceiling fan and keeping your curtains closed during the day to keep things cool inside. It’s also recommended to turn the AC off at night when things get cooler. Open your windows and get some fresh air when the sun goes down and your home will be cooler in the morning when you turn the AC back on.
Unplug Electronics When They are Not in Use
Many electronics such as your TV and computers still use a small amount of electricity even if they are turned off. Save electricity and lower your energy bill by unplugging these appliances when they are not in use.
Wash Your Clothes with Cold Water
You would be shocked to find out how much energy goes into heating water used for laundry. In today’s market, we have numerous detergents that are actually designed to work better with cold water. Switch to doing laundry with cold water and notice the difference it makes in your energy bill. Washing in cold water is also better for your clothes in many cases and prevents shrinking for many materials.
Upgrade Your Plumbing
A lot of water is wasted from an inefficient plumbing system. Inspect your pipes and repair any small leaks to save water. Install a dual-flush or low-flow toilet to use less water when you flush. Your water bill will be noticeably lower and you will waste less water on a daily basis.
Collect Compost
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, collecting compost in your yard is a great way to give back to the local environment. Contributing to a compost pile will reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and water. It will also reduce your household waste if you separate garbage from compost.
Invest in Green Home Décor
There are also ways to incorporate the environment into your home décor. Use houseplants around your home to purify the air and try using an eco-friendly paint with a low VOC index on your walls. Instead of using candles and aerosol sprays created with chemicals, try heating some essential oils in your home for an even better olfactory experience.
For more tips and tricks on making the most out of living in Santa Cruz, call My Santa Cruz Real Estate at 800-226-4717 today.
Posted by Lauren Spencer on
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