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Having an energy efficient home is one of the best things that you can do for the environment, because it significantly reduces the amount of pollution created by a home. Additionally, it also enables a homeowner to save money. It is a proven fact that an energy efficient home can help people save thousands of dollars every year. One thing you should know is that you will need a considerable amount of money to make your home truly energy efficient. You will end up making that money back in the future, but you have to be prepared to make the necessary investment first. Some families may not have the financial means to make an energy efficient home, but there are many little things that can be done to make it more affordable. Firstly, you can start off by being a smarter buyer. When you have to replace an appliance in a home, such as a refrigerator or microwave, you should buy one that is energy efficient. Try to replace old appliances with newer and more energy efficient ones whenever possible. It is also important to make sure that you attach things that have a tendency of using up electricity even when they are technically turned off, such as computers, to power strips. You can flick the power strip off and cut the power when you have finished using the devices, and you won�t be wasting energy unnecessarily. You can also use light bulbs that are more environmentally friendly. These bulbs last far longer than normal light bulbs, but they are also more expensive. One of the more effective things that you can do to make your home energy efficient is to install solar panels. These panels, which are usually installed on the roof or ground, are capable of generating enough electricity to sustain a home, and often, they end up making a surplus of electricity. In some cases, owners can even sell this surplus to energy companies and earn a little money. Solar panels can be costly, but they are certainly worth the investment. There are many other things that you can do to create an energy efficient home, such as replacing outdated heating and cooling systems, weatherstripping and properly insulating your home, and changing landscaping. All it takes is some investment and the willingness to get it done. (Image provided by Buncombe County.)
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