Last week, we shared the news that Austin-based TreeHouse is expanding to Dallas. The innovative home improvement store is known for curating products and services that promote healthy and sustainable spaces, including Nest thermostats, Tesla’s Powerwall, and other smart home solutions. Though we’ll have to wait patiently for “TreeHouse 2.0” to open in 2017, we took our opportunity to chat with CEO and cofounder Jason Ballard to discover a few simple ways to make Dallas homes more green right now.
1. Install a Smart Thermostat
Your HVAC is the largest user of energy in the home. The small, unassuming Nest thermostat controls the whole thing, making your home as comfortable as you like while saving energy and money.
2. LED Light Bulbs
The technology has come a long way. They last over 20 years and they use 1/10th the energy. Plus they look great (now) and are finally affordable.
3. Solar
Wait I thought you said simple? New solar programs that are paired with creative financing are now very straightforward and affordable.
4. Rainwater Harvesting
In many urban areas, most water use occurs outdoors. Fun fact… water often falls from the sky. The schedule is pretty unreliable, but its free. You should catch it to use it later for all your outdoor watering needs. Rainwater is better for plants and soil anyway.
5. Fans
Because moving air cools you more efficiently, turning on a fan can make a room feel 2-6 degrees more comfortable. Fans use less electricity than firing up the whole HVAC system. More comfort. Less energy. Boom.
