Eco-Friendly Home Improvements: Sustainable Designs
As a homeowner, you’ve decided that you want to make some improvements. While deciding which renovations you want to make, you realized environmentally friendly renovations have the greatest twofold benefits. For one, you’re lowering your impact on the planet. Secondly, your sustainable choices can be cost-effective.
When it comes to committing to which renovations are most needed, you may become overwhelmed. Don’t know where to start? Here are some simple yet efficient ways to make your home more sustainable.
Upgrade your electrical system
Sure, you need lighting in your home for everyday functioning. Fortunately, there is a simple way to reduce costs: installing energy-efficient lighting. Sustainable lighting options like LED bulbs can save you hundreds of dollars every year. This is because they use approximately 10% of the energy standard lightbulbs need to light your property.
Want even lower bills? Rely on natural lighting during the day. You can even go the extra mile and have solar lighting professionally installed outdoors. They’re especially great for entertaining outdoors. Companies like California-based Ocean Blue Pools & Landscape Inc specialize in installing outdoor solar lighting. Be sure to contact them for a consultation.
Use energy-efficient appliances
In addition to electrical, you can improve your home’s functionality by installing new appliances. While you will have up-front costs in replacing your refrigerator, washer and dryer, and water heater, you’ll also save money on later bills. If you don’t know which appliances best fit your needs, you can have an energy-efficiency audit to see which appliances best suit your living arrangements.
Replace old or damaged windows
If you’re accustomed to using your central air during the summer, you may be losing money because of your windows. Older windows or windows with small cracks are vulnerable to air leaks. While this may seem insignificant, nearly 30% of your air is wasted on faulty windows.
Casement and awning windows have a great reputation for airtight seals. They also protect against weather leaks, which will eliminate the probability of future property damage. Plus, your heating and air conditioning systems won’t have to work as hard, cutting costs in both bills and maintenance fees.
Take on composting
Landscaping is beneficial for curb appeal, which is great for homeowners who enjoy company and those looking to sell their property. Investing in a compost bin can help you cut your negative impact on the environment by eliminating harmful chemicals that go into the ground and water supply. Additionally, they’re great for your garden. All you have to do is throw your scraps into a heap and let them decompose, and you have your eco-friendly fertilizer.
Saving the environment while keeping money in your pocket makes being a homeowner worthwhile. Implementing these home renovations are small steps toward saving the planet. For more home improvement tips, follow TheHomeMag on Instagram and Facebook.
