7 Top Sustainable Home Improvements for a Better Future
Thinking of renovating your home or doing little updates to improve its look and feel? Consider making your comfortable abode a more sustainable place to live.
Adding eco-friendly upgrades to your home can reduce the impact of lifestyle practices that contribute to a huge carbon footprint. It’s also beneficial to you in enhancing your well-being. At the same time, you’re saving precious money in the long run.
Some improvements may require you to shell out a significant investment, but the lasting effects of sustainable home upgrades will be felt for a long time. If you’re unsure about where and how to begin, the following sustainable ideas will help you jumpstart on this exciting journey.
Set Up a Compost Bin
Your pile of produce and food waste can be put to good use if you know how to do it right. The first step is segregating your garbage. Ensure that different types of trash are being disposed properly. This means reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials as much as possible.
However, food and other waste that can decompose may be better off out of the landfill. Set up a compost bin where you can throw items such as egg shells, coffee grounds, leftover food, and rotten vegetables. These items will eventually break down and help you get a steady supply of compost. The latter is a handy material if you want to enrich your soil and help your vegetables and plants grow to their fullest potential.
You can go the DIY route by creating your compost bin. Think of a wooden bin with a hinged lid to make it easier to add waste and tall enough to keep animals out.
Start Your Own Garden
This idea is closely related to compost bins. If you don’t have a garden yet, you may want to start one now. A garden can beautify your home like no other. You don’t even need a wide space to get started.
Your balcony or patio can be the perfect place to start one where you can grow vegetables and herbs in pots and tubs. Edible plants can supplement some of your food needs and help you save money. Adding flowers and green plants to the mix will give you the best visual appeal. You can hang plants or bring them inside your house as decorative pieces.
Having plants inside can also serve as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and other pollutants. This means cleaner and fresher air, which can do wonders for your well-being.
Having flowers around can also attract pollinators, which can make your surrounding ecosystem healthier. You can even go as far as raising hard-working honey bees that will ensure productive yields and a good supply of honey.
Consider Going Solar
Have you ever complained about paying for electricity bills during the height of summer or the worst of winter? Air conditioner and heater systems are quite necessary for a comfortable life. However, they can add up to your skyrocketing electricity bills if you’re not careful.
One of the best home upgrades you can do is installing solar panels in your home. This sustainable update provides you with a backup plan when the power from the electric grid goes out. This can also reduce your dependence on electric power companies while helping you save money.
The initial investment can be costly but it will be worth it in the long run as you can avoid spending too much on electricity. You’re also reducing your home’s carbon footprint and helping save the environment.
Depending on your home state, you may even qualify for tax credits should you decide to go solar. Installing solar panels in Texas can give you such incentives.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
You might be surprised what difference switching to energy-efficient appliances can make. Many appliances nowadays are Energy Star certified. This means that these appliances are designed to use less energy to function, allowing you to save on energy bills in the process.
They’re also sleekly designed to suit a modern home. If you’re looking for an upgrade, energy-efficient appliances are the best choice.
Some of the appliances that have energy-efficient options include light bulbs, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, smart thermostats, and more.
Upgrade Your Windows
Windows have an important function in your home. It can protect your place from the wind and rain and let the air and light in during good days.
Did you know that windows are responsible for around 25% to 30% energy loss? Now might be the right time to check and fix your windows for air leaks. You may also opt to add energy-efficient coverings or install exterior shading. This will help your home regulate energy use when it comes to heating and air conditioning.
Check and Fix Your Plumbing
It might not be common nowadays, but outdated plumbing can cause you to waste water and rack up your water utility bills. If you haven’t checked your home’s plumbing yet, today is the best time to start.
Ensure that your plumbing fixtures are using energy-efficient methods. One example is installing a low-flow showerhead to minimize the daily amount of water used. The same can be done for your toilet. A low-flow toilet typically requires less water for the flush function. You may also look for toilet rentals while your plumbing and toilet are being fixed.
Insulate Your Home
Want more ways to keep your energy consumption down? Insulation is the answer. This will help your home keep the heat in and the cold out during the winter months. You may want to start with your walls, as this is where the heat is often lost.
Depending on your wall type, you will find several options for insulation. Wall insulation is often done by fitting rigid insulation boards into the wall.
If the job is too hard for a DIY project, you can always seek help from professionals to help insulate your home. Successfully insulating your home can bring down the cost of your electricity and minimize your home’s carbon footprint.
Wrapping It Up
Home renovation is a necessity if you want to take care of your home and increase its value in the long run. Considering these sustainable upgrades will ensure your home is not only going to be marketable but can also contribute to the welfare of the world around you. You can help in reducing your carbon footprint while saving from energy costs that can dent a hole in your pocket.