# Home Systems: 4 Green Improvement Projects For This Summer

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/home-systems-4-green-improvement-projects-for-this-summer/
- Published: 2016-06-28T15:29:18-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

There’s no better time to start environmentally friendly home systems improvement
projects than in the summer. With the sultry heat beating down, it’s tempting to
turn on energy-consuming appliances like the AC. Also, the sprinkler system and 
lights as you hide from the sun. However, you can avoid costly energy bills. Therefore,
be eco-friendly with these three home projects.

## Install Solar Panels for Home Systems

Summer is the best time to [install solar panels](https://www.ecowatch.com/cost-of-solar-panels-2652791537.html).
Because there is plenty of sunlight. So having the right solar panel system could
help you work toward having a 100 percent solar-powered home systems. Even if you
aren’t in a super sunny area, you can capture indirect sunlight. That’s through 
clouds or humidity. In fact, solar panels work more efficiently in cool temperatures.

[⌊Solar home systems⌉⌊Solar home systems⌉[

Most homeowners opt for a utility interconnected system, also referred to as a grid-
tied system. If your [roof faces south, southeast, or southwest](https://www.kiplinger.com/article/real-estate/T029-C000-S002-solar-panel-power-home-residential.html),
this is a good option for your home, according to Kiplinger. However, make sure 
you have an experienced professional install this type of system so you know it 
is correctly hooked up to the local utility. By continually lowering your utility
bill, these systems pay for themselves and are a smart investment for any green 
homeowner.

## Put in Synthetic Grass

Few things make your home more attractive than a beautifully cut, lush green lawn.
However, lawn upkeep costs don’t come cheap. Between the lawn fertilizers, landscaping
fees, and increased utility bills from keeping the sprinkler system on, it takes
a lot to keep your lawn in pristine condition. And all of the water and chemicals
are not good for the environment.

Do away with high maintenance costs and go green by [installing synthetic grass](https://systempavers.com/turf/synthetic-artificial-grass-turf.aspx).
This helps you keep the appearance of healthy, green grass without the hassle of
mowing, watering, trimming, weeding or fading your grass. It also prevents you from
wasting water to keep your grass alive and well during the summer heat. As a bonus,
you may be able to save more if you live in a state that offers rebates for residents
who install synthetic turf.

## Use a Smart Thermostat

With the heat continuing to rise in the weeks to come, you probably want to stay
indoors. However, your AC can consume a lot of energy. To help cut costs and use
less energy, install a smart thermostat like Nest to monitor your home’s environment.
Nest automatically cools the house when it knows someone is home and goes on auto
stand-by to save energy if nobody is home. Even when the AC is on, Nest controls
the fan to push around cool air to control the temperature more efficiently.

According to two independent studies, [Nest can save you 15 percent](https://nest.com/thermostats/real-savings/)
on your cooling. For the average home, this adds up to $131 to $145 a year. Not 
only will this project save you money, but it will use energy more efficiently, 
helping you reduce your impact on the environment.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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