Hello World! Welcome Friends! A sustainable home is something that many people wish to achieve. Not only does it help reduce expenses such as water and electricity, but it also minimizes your impact on the environment.
That being said, knowing where to get started can be challenging. While there are small day-to-day changes you can make, the big improvements are going to be the most effective solutions.
In this article, we are going to take a look at eight upgrades to make your home more sustainable.
Sound interesting? Then keep on reading!
Upgrade Your Insulation
As you may already be aware, insulating your house is one of the best ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. With the proper insulation, the building will be able to keep cool and retain heat when necessary.
There are quite a few eco friendly insulation materials out there, so make sure you do some research to see what is best for you.
Some of the most popular include:
– Glasswool
– Polyester
– Sheep’s wool
– Earthwool
– Cellulose
Add New Pavers
If you’ve wanted to upgrade your driveway, now is the perfect excuse to do so. These eco friendly pavers come with many benefits for both the environment and your home.
Not only will they let rain percolate through them so that water goes back into the soil, but they can also help reduce pooling and flooding problems. It’s certainly worth making the upgrade, especially if you’re looking to increase your curb appeal.
Install Low-Flow Faucets and Shower Heads
Did you know that even if you are vigilant with your water usage, you could still be wasting a lot? Installing a low-flow faucet to your sinks and a shower head can decrease your consumption by 40% or more.
Alongside this, you’ll save on heating as you won’t be using so much water. While you might think it will cause low pressure, that’s actually a misconception. With the right design, you’ll still be able to enjoy a great shower while helping protect the environment.
Invest in a New HVAC System
Old HVAC systems are prone to many issues and could be using a lot of power. If you have been having trouble, it’s worth switching to something new and improved.
Another great option is to utilize a smart thermostat to control your heating and cooling. You’ll be able to monitor everything with your phone and set timers to avoid unnecessary usage.
Replace Old Appliances
Just like your HVAC system, other appliances in your home can also be highly inefficient. For example, your fridge, dishwasher, water heater, and washing machine could all be increasing your energy bill significantly.
If you’ve had them for more than a few years, upgrading can make a big difference. Just remember to keep a lookout for the energy star rating so that you can get the best replacement possible.
Change Your Windows
If you live in an older home, your windows can be causing you a lot of problems. Upgrading them to a newer and more modern option can help with heat and cool retention, just like insulation.
In general, eco-friendly designs are extremely weather-tight so that there are no breezes. They’ll also help keep out unwanted pests so that your home remains happy and healthy.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
Perhaps one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades to improve your home’s sustainability is to switch to LED bulbs. Again, they will help reduce your electricity use, and they often work better.
Alongside providing high-quality light, they are durable and last longer. So, even though it may be an expense, you’ll quickly earn what you spent back.
You can find more tips to save money on your energy bill here.
Decorate with Thrifted Goods
Finally, while decorating might be a little different from what we have mentioned previously, it can still be considered an upgrade. Instead of buying brand new, opt for thrifted items instead.
There are so many great items out there waiting for a home, and they are usually incredibly affordable. So you’re repurposing and saving money at the same time.
Final Words
As you can see, there are many different upgrades you can make so that your home is more sustainable. However, it would be best not to tackle most of what we mentioned alone.
Speak to the right professionals, and make sure the upgrades you wish to do are appropriate and required. You don’t want to go ripping out a perfectly good HVAC system or changing your insulation unless an improvement will actually benefit you.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
What Causes Squeaky Wooden Floors?
How Experts Can Help Improve Your Health
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox which will include links to my latest home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
[…] 8 Upgrades to Make Your Home More Sustainable […]