Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades That Will Save You Money
April 28, 2023
6 min read
In today's world, it's more important than ever to consider the impact of our actions on the environment. One of the ways we can do our part is by making sustainable home improvements that are cost-effective and easy to implement.
10 Sustainable Home Upgrades To Help You Cut Costs
Sustainable home improvements are not only good for the environment, but they can also help you cut costs in the long run. By making eco-friendly upgrades to your home, you can reduce your energy bills and save money. Here are some sustainable home improvement ideas that can help you cut costs:
1. Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping your doors and windows is an easy and cost-effective way to make your home more energy-efficient. By sealing gaps around your doors and windows, you can prevent drafts from entering your home. Weatherstripping helps to keep heat in during the winter and helps keep cool air in during the summer, which can also help lower your air conditioning costs.
According to Energy.gov, sealing the air leaks in an older and poorly insulated home can result in a reduction of over 20% in your heating and cooling expenses. Weatherstripping is a simple and inexpensive way to improve energy efficiency, and it can save you money on your energy bills over time.
2. Eco-Friendly Heating and Cooling System
Switching to an eco-friendly heating and cooling system can boost your home's energy efficiency and save on utility bills. One such system that is becoming increasingly popular is the heat pump.
According to experts, heat pumps are much more efficient than traditional gas furnaces. They can provide heating and cooling, eliminating the need for separate systems. And thanks to new government incentives, they are becoming more affordable for homeowners.
The Inflation Reduction Act offers rebates of up to $8,000 for low-income homeowners who install heat pumps and up to $4,000 for households making between 80 to 150 percent of the median income. Now is a great time to upgrade your home's heating and cooling system with a heat pump for energy efficiency and cost savings.
3. Energy-Efficient Lighting
Switching to LED or CFL bulbs from incandescent bulbs can save you money on energy bills. LED bulbs have a longer lifespan and use less energy than incandescent bulbs. They also produce less heat and are more environmentally friendly as they don't contain mercury.
Also, many utility companies offer rebates and incentives for customers who switch to energy-efficient lighting. Not only does energy-efficient lighting reduce energy costs, but it can also lower the cost of upgrading your lighting, making it an even more appealing option.
4. Solar Panels or Batteries
Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that can significantly reduce or even eliminate the electric portion of your monthly utility bill. By installing solar panels on your property, you can turn sunlight into electricity and power your home with clean energy. Additionally, solar batteries can store some of the energy produced by the panels, allowing you to have a reliable source during power outages or after dark.
Investing in solar energy can save you money through a federal tax credit. The credit gives homeowners a 30% discount on their taxes for solar panel and battery installation costs. The credit is available to all homeowners and will expire after 2032.
However, it's important to note that if the installation cost is more than the taxes you owe, you will only receive a credit for the taxes you owe. It's essential to plan and maximize the credit before it expires.
5. Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can help you control your heating and cooling costs by allowing you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. Some smart thermostats can also be controlled from your phone, allowing you to adjust the temperature remotely.
Additionally, smart thermostats can also learn your heating and cooling preferences and automatically adjust the temperature accordingly. They can track your energy usage and provide detailed reports, which can help you identify areas where you can further reduce your energy consumption.
By monitoring your energy consumption, you can make more informed choices about how and when to use energy, leading to more effective conservation.
6. Environmentally-Safe Appliances
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can save you money on your energy bills. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which means they are certified energy-efficient.
In addition to the Energy Star label, you can also look for appliances with a high Energy-Efficiency Rating (EER) or the yellow EnergyGuide label, which shows the appliance's annual energy consumption. Another way to save energy on your devices is to look for models with a smart power feature, which automatically turns off the power to the appliance when it is not in use.
This can help you save money on your energy bills and also reduce your environmental impact.
7. Low-Flow Showerheads
Low-flow showerheads are a great way to conserve water and save money on your water bill. Because they use less water than traditional showerheads, they can help you lower your water usage and reduce your water bill.
Additionally, you can help conserve water resources and reduce the strain on local water systems by using low-flow showerheads. These showerheads are available in different styles and designs, and some even come with adjustable flow settings, allowing you to choose the flow rate that best fits your needs.
8. Eco-Friendly Paint
Using eco-friendly paint can save homeowners money in the long run. These types of paint are made with natural ingredients, such as plant-based oils and minerals, and have lower levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) than traditional paint. Lower levels of VOCs mean they are less toxic and emit fewer harmful chemicals into the air.
Not only it's better for your health, but it also reduces the need for expensive ventilation systems during the painting process. Using eco-friendly paint can save you money in the long run as it is typically more durable and can last longer, resulting in less frequent repainting.
9. Green Insulation
Proper insulation can help improve energy efficiency in your home by maintaining a comfortable temperature during winter and summer. Insulating the attic, walls, and floors can help retain heat and decrease costs for heating and cooling. To take your green initiative one step further, consider using green insulation options to minimize environmental impact.
Home insulation is not just limited to traditional materials—more and more homeowners are turning to alternative insulation options. These options include soybeans, denim, hemp, and sheep's wool. Using alternative insulation can not only save homeowners money but also help the environment.
Soybean foam insulation is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials, which is also a healthier option for homes as it is free of harmful chemicals and irritants.
10. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
When it comes to reducing the environmental impact of waste, one way to make a difference is by choosing biodegradable products. Biodegradable products are made of non-synthetic ingredients and can break down naturally and safely in the environment. This means that if they end up in nature, they will not cause any harm, as they dissolve through natural processes.
You can find many biodegradable products in everyday household items, including:
Plant-based liquid soap
__Baking soda and vinegar __
__Lemon juice and olive oil __
__Castile soap __
Microfiber cloths
These products are made of non-synthetic ingredients and can break down naturally in the environment, making them a safer alternative to traditional products.
Protect the Planet and Your Wallet
Making eco-friendly home upgrades reduce your environmental impact and help you save money on your energy and water bills. By being conscious of our choices, we can contribute to preserving the environment for future generations.
References:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherstripping https://blog.constellation.com/2016/03/25/led-vs-cfl-bulbs/ https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/how-to-be-more-eco-friendly https://www.ecowatch.com/sustainable-home-improvements.html https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-and-social-sector/our-insights/the-inflation-reduction-act-heres-whats-in-it https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics
