Around 64% of Americans want to be more eco-friendly, whether it’s buying products or renovating their property.
Making your home eco-friendly not only helps the environment but it saves you a fortune in utility bills and boosts your home’s resale value. Perhaps you’re struggling to make your home eco-friendly, and you’re looking for tips.
Sounds familiar? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here are six home update ideas to try.
1. Choose Double Glazing
The first step in creating a green home starts with your windows. These can waste around 30% of your home’s energy, so choose double- or triple-glazing to retain the heat or cool.
You can also choose low-emissivity glass, which reflects heat into your home, thanks to its special coating. If you don’t have the budget, then spray foam around your window’s trim, so it fills any gaps.
2. Install Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is a fantastic way to become more energy-efficient. You can use this renewable energy to heat your water and generate electricity, saving you a fortune.
“Why solar?” You ask. Know that they have low maintenance costs, and you can claim tax benefits on any surplus energy you’ve generated. It’s a win-win!
3. Upgrade Your Thermostat
Every eco-friendly home should have a smart thermostat so it can maximize your current HVAC system. Although a one-degree difference doesn’t feel a lot, it can save you a fortune over an extended period, so program your thermostat today.
The beauty of thermostats is they could control multiple or individual rooms. For instance, if you’ve got a guest room that’s rarely used, then heat this at a lower rate. Plus, you can program thermostats, so they turn off the AC while you’re at work, saving you both energy and money.
4. Install Insulation
One of the most underrated home updates is installing high-quality insulation. This protects your home from the elements and keeps it warm in winter or cool during the summer.
Another bonus is you can choose whether to hire a professional or transform it into a DIY project. Once you know the directions, insulate each room with sheep’s wool or expanding foam to keep your home comfortable.
5. Consider Your Backyard
An affordable way to become environmentally conscious is updating your backyard. Many of us with lawns know how terrible they are for the planet, from the constant watering to spraying pesticides.
In contrast, lay down gravel and dot native plants around your yard. These use less water, as they’ve adjusted to the climate, and can withstand local pests and disease. And, if you’ve got the know-how, place these into a rain garden which collects runoff water, thanks to its bowl shape.
Our Home Update Ideas
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll take try these eco-friendly home update ideas.
Make sure your windows are energy-efficient, upgrade your thermostat, and install solar panels. You should also consider your backyard and find ways to make it more environmentally friendly. Good luck!
Found this helpful? Then check out the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks.
