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EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Switching to LED lights can significantly reduce energy consumption, since they use up to 90 percent less power than traditional incandescent bulbs. Simply replace the old standard bulbs with LEDs as they burn out, and you’ ll be making an easy yet impactful upgrade. Studies show that lighting your home with LED bulbs can lead to annual savings of about $ 225 on your energy bill.
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SPECIALIZED PAINTS
Whether you’ re painting an accent wall or redoing much larger spaces, choose paints with low amounts of volatile organic compounds. These are chemicals present in many paints and other products that are released into the air as unwanted gases. Exposure to higher VOC paints can lead to
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immediate and long-term health concerns.
SOLAR OPTIONS
Over the past decade or so, the price of solar panels has declined by more than 70 percent. Installed panels can power your entire home or just specific areas that demand higher energy consumption, such as the HVAC system and water heaters.
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Solar attic fans effectively expel heat trapped above the ceiling, lowering your bills while extending the life of roofing and insulation.
REUSE AND RECYCLE Consider repurposing or using reclaimed materials in your home improvement projects. Whatever the material, it just has to be structurally sound and readily available in
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the necessary quantities. Not sure where to get started? Check out online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or Freecycle. Your community might have thrift options or recycle stores.
GREEN SPACE
Enhance the beauty of your home and reduce grocery expenses by establishing a home garden. They help
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© ADOBE STOCK
prevent erosion and contribute to soil fertility. When choosing outdoor plants, look for options that are friendly to pollinators and will thrive with the local ecosystem. Apartment or condo dwellers can create container gardens for salad items or herbs. Select indoor plants that act as natural air purifiers, and they’ ll improve the quality of air in your home.
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