If you want to embrace sustainability and proactively work towards lessening your carbon footprint in your local community, it starts with your home.
Unfortunately, most homes built more than 5 years ago aren’t naturally as energy-efficient and green as they could be. But there are easy fixes you can put in place to change this!
Try These Green Home Upgrades
You don’t have to build a new house or tear your current one down to the studs to get the kind of eco-friendly home you’re seeking. All it takes is a few upgrades and you’ll be saving energy (and the planet) without much noticeable sacrifice.
Here are six ideas:
1. Energy-Efficient Systems
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is a straightforward way to enhance your home’s sustainability. Older appliances tend to consume more electricity and water, whereas modern, energy-efficient models are designed to do more with less. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label. (These have been certified to meet energy efficiency criteria set by the EPA.)
Besides appliances, consider upgrading your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A high-efficiency HVAC system can dramatically reduce energy consumption and improve the comfort of your home. Pairing this with proper insulation and sealing leaks around doors and windows can maximize energy savings and enhance your living space’s overall efficiency.
2. Exterior Upgrades
When it comes to energy efficiency, people think about what’s inside their house. But what’s on the outside matters, too. You can improve the energy efficiency of your home by upgrading things like windows and siding (which influence heat transfer and loss of energy between your interior and the ambient climate outside). If you’re going to do this, it would benefit you to meet with an exterior remodeling service that can walk you through some of the different options for your specific property and climate.
3. Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is a significant step towards a green home. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and can significantly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. While the upfront cost can be substantial, the long-term savings on your electricity bills and the potential to sell excess power back to the grid can make solar panels a wise investment.
Plus, they increase your property’s value and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers if you decide to sell in the future.
4. Smart Thermostats
A smart thermostat is a small change that can make a big difference in your home’s energy consumption. These devices learn your schedule and temperature preferences to optimize heating and cooling efficiency. You can control them remotely via a smartphone app, making it easy to adjust settings when you’re away from home to avoid wasting energy. Over time, a smart thermostat can lead to significant savings on your energy bills while reducing your environmental impact.
There are plenty of good smart thermostat options on the market these days, so be sure to do your research and look for a model that fits your specific needs.
5. LED Lighting
Switching to LED lighting is one of the simplest and most cost-effective green home upgrades. LED bulbs use as much as 75 percent less energy and last 25-times longer than the incandescent bulbs that homeowners have relied on for decades. And here’s the most impressive part of it all: They provide the same level of light as traditional bulbs. Yes, you read that correctly. They consume far less power, while providing the same light. This means it takes almost no personal sacrifice to lower electricity bills. (Plus, you’ll benefit from fewer bulb replacements.)
Another great thing about LED light bulbs is they’re available in a variety of styles and colors. You can also find smart bulbs that sync up to your existing smart home systems or phone applications for easy control, automation, and customization. No matter what kind of home style or “vibe” you have, it’s easy to find LED lighting options that fit your home’s decor.
6. Water Conservation Methods
Water is obviously a precious resource, and conserving it is a pretty critical aspect of a green home. Depending on the laws, codes, and restrictions in your area, you might be able to install a rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater for use in gardening, flushing toilets, and even washing clothes. This will allow you to reduce your reliance on city water supplies.
Additionally, low-flow fixtures in your bathrooms make a big difference – decreasing your water usage and lowering your bills. These fixtures – which are available for showers, toilets, sinks, etc. – are designed to provide the same performance as standard fixtures while using a fraction of the water. (You can think of them as the plumbing equivalent to LED lights – same performance, less waste.)
Turn Your House Into an Eco-Friendly Home
It doesn’t take much to turn your current house into an eco-friendly home that’s far more energy efficient. You don’t have to do everything on this list, but pick one or two upgrades and start there. There may be an upfront cost, but the long-term ROI is clear!
