It is an unfortunate fact that many homeowners are damaging the environment without even realizing it. In addition to efficiency issues that could potentially be wasting quite a bit of energy, your home might also be filled with a variety of harmful toxins. You may be surprised to realize that your house is killing the environment, but do not fear! There are some simple steps you can take to have a more eco-friendly home. Here is a quick look at some of the most common ways that many homes hurt the environment and a few steps that can be taken to address those issues.

Inefficient or Damaged HVAC System

In the average home, the heating and cooling system is responsible for most of the energy consumption. That is just one of the reasons why you must make sure that your HVAC system remains well-maintained and is working at maximum efficiency at all times. In addition to having the entire system serviced at least twice a year, you must also immediately contact an air conditioning repair specialist if you ever notice any unusual problems. Some of the most common signs of a damaged HVAC system include skyrocketing energy bills, unusual noises, different temperatures in every room, and unpleasant smells coming from the vents.

Toxic Building Materials

While most modern homes must adhere to very strict environmental regulations, many older homes were built with highly toxic materials. If your home is more than a decade or two old, then you might want to spend some time figuring out if there are any dangerous materials in the walls or roof. To locate those materials, you can contact a home inspector who will look over every inch of your property. It might be tempting to get rid of those materials on your home, but you should call a company that specializes in removing those contaminants if any are found.

Dangerous Cleaning Supplies

One of the easiest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to remove all of the dangerous cleaning supplies that are in your cupboards. Even many of the seemingly safe cleaning supplies are filled with harsh chemicals or CFCs. To safely get rid of those products, you can call your local waste management company to see if they have a hazardous materials drop-off site. While you can find safe cleaning products at most stores, many people are now making their own cleaners with harmless ingredients, such as baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice.

In addition to taking care of these few problems, you should also make sure that you practice eco-friendly habits at home. Taking shorter showers, turning off unused electronics, and other minor changes to your daily habits could end up having a huge impact on the environment.