At B&D, we take being the most environmentally conscious and cost-effective partner seriously, with an obligation to implement viable energy practices whenever possible and educate homeowners on becoming sustainable. And we support our community by maximizing energy efficiency, minimizing pollution, and utilizing renewable, sustainable resources whenever possible in a project we’re working on. To do this, we reduce dependency on the electrical grid and fossil fuels, all while providing advice, education, and promoting environmentally sound solutions.
Here are some insights into what you can do to your own home to help protect our environment and become sustainable in 2020.
Have an Efficiently Running HVAC
Nothing drains your dollars and hikes up your energy bill like an HVAC system that isn’t running to its full potential. In fact, according to Direct Energy, running your air conditioning can easily account for over half of your electric bill, especially in the rapidly approaching hot summer months. Factor in any potential leaks or insufficient insulation and you are looking at huge, unnecessary costs. To avoid this, you can start with the little steps, like checking on weatherstripping seals around your windows and doors, spotting any leaks, and keeping an eye out for insufficient insulation; and getting these fixed makes a huge difference.
It’s also important to ensure that your home is fitted with the proper, most energy-efficient system for your needs when becoming sustainable. And factors like climate, home size, and time spent at home can determine that for you. For example, a home in a colder climate may require a larger, more energy-efficient system to handle running the heater for long periods of time. On the other hand, a home in a hot climate, such as Albuquerque, could run on a much smaller system when heating is only needed for a few months out of the year. And vice versa when it comes to keeping homes cool. By catching these inefficiencies before anything breaks down, you could start seeing costs level out and immediately feel more comfortable in your space.
Utilize Eco-Friendly Plumbing
According to Statista, the average family of four in the United States pays about $72.93 for their water bill every month as of 2019, if each person used about 100 gallons per day. If your plumbing and sewage system isn’t optimized, that number could look a whole lot higher on your home’s bill. And according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as of 2017 the average household\’s leaks could account for 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year – in just a single home.
But fortunately, just like your HVAC system, there are things you can do to bolster your system and help extend its life.
Becoming sustainable when it comes to your plumbing starts with finding any visible leaks, drips, or cracks, and having them repaired. You can also take inventory of the appliances and fixtures throughout your home, like toilets and washing machines, and swap them out for low-flow, high-efficiency ones. Notably, becoming sustainable can even be as simple as washing your clothes in cold water on the correct load size, turning off the sink while you brush your teeth, taking shorter showers, and employing an efficient irrigation system to water your yard perfectly every single time.
Becoming Sustainable with B&D
After serving clients for over 65 years, we’ve learned that we are more than just a company – we are a service business. And in these uncertain times, as we face the unpredictable future, our focus on homeowners becoming sustainable and environmentally-friendly will make all the difference; and we will continue to follow Green Building and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building practices to improve our communities. To learn more about our green initiatives, visit this webpage. And contact us today to start making your home more sustainable in 2020.
