7 Tips for Green Living in Arizona

Energy conservation is fantastic for the planet, but it's also a great way for homeowners to reduce their annual expenses and increase their property value. Fortunately, living green in Arizona is easy if you have the right resources. Follow these seven simple tips to turn your home into a more efficient and affordable place to live.

1. Harness the sun's power.

Phoenix gets more sunshine than any other American city, so it's no surprise that Arizona leads the country in solar energy innovations. Retrofit your home with solar panels and solar-powered appliances to harness this ample, renewable resource, and rely on the Arizona Solar Watchdog Program for peace of mind.  To see if solar is right, download our guide to solar power in AZ.

2. Compost whenever possible.

Instead of filling your garbage can with orange peels and coffee grounds, reduce your household waste by composting all organic matter. This is especially helpful if your home is landscaped with grass or green plants because compost makes great fertilizer and reduces your lawn's need for water. 

3. Use your dishwasher.

Conserving energy is sometimes about something other than unplugging. You use significantly more water if you wash dishes by hand instead of running your dishwasher. Loading it up is smarter, but wait until evening to start the cycle because most dishwashers generate extra heat. 

4. Keep your house sealed.

Windows, doors, and air ducts are prime heat gain and energy waste culprits. Weather stripping may dry out as your house shifts and sustains extreme heat, and insulation may redistribute. Maintain these seals, check your ducts regularly, and schedule a free home energy audit to identify existing problems. 

5. Drive an eco-friendly car.

You're already on the right track if you plug in your car instead of hitting the gas pump. Eco-friendly fuel alternatives now include solar energy and hydrogen fuel cells, but electric batteries are much better than gas engines. Invest in an efficient vehicle to save the earth and your wallet.

6. Turn off the tap. 

Save water by turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, shaving, shampooing, or doing any other everyday activity that requires a rinse afterward. Leaving the water on is wasting water and is an easy way to start on your path to green living.

7. Replace your electric bulbs.

LED lights are wise investments for any homeowner. They don't just reduce — or, in the case of solar-powered LEDs, eliminate — your lighting-related electricity costs; they also last much longer, so you don't have to keep replacing bulbs.

If you're interested in learning more, you can download our exclusive solar guide to help explain some of the most important considerations when switching to clean solar energy. We invite you to download the guide, and if you're interested, request a custom solar quote from one of our solar experts today.