Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Tips
With sustainability at a premium, homeowners are increasingly enquiring about ways to cut down on their footprint while making their homes more comfortable and efficient.
Fortunately, green home improvements do not only save the environment but you will also save you money in the long run by cutting down your electricity costs and adding to the value of your home.
Here are a few real-world, eco-friendly ways to make your home more environmentally friendly.
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
The number one way to green your home is through the installation of energy-efficient windows. These windows work by allowing you to reduce your heating or cooling expenses by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cold in the summer.
Low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, double or triple glazing and insulated frames help insulate and save energy.
The addition to saving your home energy costs can increase the comfort of your living room, as it eliminates drafts and keeps your home temperature stable. If you’re considering a window upgrade, contact The Window Source to learn more about energy efficient replacement windows.
2. Install Solar Panels
Solar energy is one of the cleanest and sustainable forms of energy. You can eliminate the need to rely on regular electricity and save on your electricity bill by having solar panels installed on your roof. Most governments offer rebates or tax credits to homeowners who install solar panels to make this green option affordable.
As well as cutting greenhouse gasses, solar panels are energy independent so your home could generate its own electricity, even re-selling excess energy to the grid. This can be cost-free in the long term, and the environmental payoff is enormous.
3. Opt for Sustainable Building Materials
When you are planning a home improvement project, you might want to use sustainable construction products. Recycled, reclaimed or natural materials are as robust and beautiful as the real thing, and less harmful to the environment.
Reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and bamboo, for example, are all fantastic options for flooring, furniture, and building materials at home.
Sustainable products are made from recycled or renewable materials, which saves on the landfill. They also have lower levels of toxic chemicals and are cheaper to manufacture. In addition to conserving natural resources, it also makes for a healthier atmosphere because it minimizes indoor air pollution.
4. Improve Insulation
A house with a thick wall is a greenhouse. You can keep heat in from your house and make it stay warm in the winter and cold during the summer by insulating it, thus saving you on the heating and cooling costs. Your walls, roof and floors can be insulated, saving you hundreds of dollars on energy costs and energy usage.
Bio-compatible insulations – recycled denim, cellulose, sheep’s wool – are sustainable replacements for fiberglass insulation.
Such products are non-toxic and recyclable, and a wonderful choice for green homeowners. Insulation will keep your home comfortable throughout the year while saving you money on energy.
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Old, inefficient appliances are also one of the largest culprits of home energy waste.
Installing Energy Star-certified appliances can significantly lower your home’s energy bill. Refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens and other appliances that consume less water and electricity conserve your energy and save the Earth.
When buying new appliances, make sure you find products with the Energy Star label, which guarantees that they comply with stringent energy efficiency standards. Such appliances tend to have extras included like conserving water or running at a lower decibel which makes them even more desirable.
6. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a simple but powerful way to save energy in your home. These gadgets learn your schedule and tune temperature to ensure that your home is only heated or cooled when needed. Smart thermostats can save you a significant amount of money on your heating and cooling bills by eliminating energy wastage.
Also, you can remotely manage your home temperature via smart thermostats via your smartphone, which means you can adjust the settings while you’re out of town to save even more power.
Many models even include energy consumption reports, allowing you to track savings and make improvements to your home’s efficiency.
7. Use Low-VOC Paints
Traditional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which let off noxious chemicals as they evaporate. They are chemicals that pollute indoor air and cause headaches, dizziness and respiratory disorders.
In case you're redecorating, try using low VOC or no VOC paints, they're safer for you and the environment.
Low VOC paints come in multiple colors and finishes, so you don’t have to give up on looks to go green. They’re also more robust and won’t give off toxic fumes in the long run, so it’s an excellent long-term investment for your home.
8. Upgrade Your Water Fixtures
Water conservation is a part of sustainable home remodeling. Changing your faucets, showerheads, and toilets to low-flow versions saves water without compromising performance. These are fixtures that require less water while still generating sufficient pressure so that you save on your water bill and save the water.
Along with low-flow fixtures, you can also mitigate water waste by sealing leaks, putting in a rainwater harvester, or using drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping.
9. Install Energy-Efficient Doors
As with windows, doors can be a major source of house energy loss. Doors that are older and poorly insulated open up to drafts and changes in temperature that push your furnace and air conditioner into overdrive. Replacing your existing doors with energy-efficient doors like insulated steel or fiberglass doors will also help your home conserve energy and enhance your curb appeal.
The efficient doors will seal the gaps between the air, and they will be more energy efficient, keeping your house cool and saving you money. Some companies also provide information about door replacement that will save you money on energy and enhance the value of your home.
Conclusion
The greener upgrades to your home don’t have to be a big overhaul. Whether you incorporate these green home maintenance techniques — including upgrading to energy efficient windows and doors, improving insulation, and setting up smart thermostats — your home will be less polluting, cheaper to run, and more comfortable to live in.
To get more inspiration on sustainable home improvement, you can visit Seasons in Colour and read their posts on a green and stylish home. To learn more about energy-saving window and door replacement, read from The Window Source.
Images: Amalia Boier Interior Design
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
