Climate change is undeniable, and many people are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. If you want to increase your home’s environmentally friendliness, look to high-impact home improvements that you can get started on today.
1. Swap Out Older Light Bulbs
If you want to make a big impact with a small investment of time and money, start with your lights. Replacing any incandescent bulbs with newer, more efficient ones will lower your utility bills and reduce how often you need to replace them down the road. That’s because, when you compare LEDs with incandescent bulbs, they use about 75% less electricity to produce a comparable amount of light and can last up to 25 times longer.
2. Update Your Landscaping
Spending time outside is good for your physical and emotional health, so take the time to upgrade your yard a bit. Get help choosing the right type of landscape design for your home so you can maximize its use. The right mix of features will balance environmentally-friendliness and attractiveness for a layout your whole family will enjoy. Features like shade trees can help reduce summer cooling costs, while gardens offer economical and healthy contributions to your household meals.
3. Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures
Water is an important natural resource. It is also one that is easy to conserve at home. Install low-flow plumbing fixtures like faucets, showerheads and toilets to cut back on water use without any extra effort. Use the smallest appropriate water-level setting in washing machines and only run the dishwasher when it is full.
4. Service Your HVAC System
A home’s HVAC system is responsible for the largest portion of its energy consumption. Regular maintenance and service will help your system run more efficiently, which will reduce energy use. Take time to change air filters monthly during periods of high demand. Keep landscaping away from any outside units, and keep indoor models clear from clutter and debris.
Installing a smart or programmable thermostat can help you use it more wisely and in synch with your routine and often results in additional savings. This is generally straightforward and can be completed as a DIY project in most cases.
5. Increase Insulation
Homes today are built with plenty of insulation. Older homes, however, may be due for a refresh. This is a job that can be tackled by homeowners in many cases. Be sure to use proper protective equipment while installing git to avoid irritating your skin, eyes or lungs. There are several types of home insulation, so be sure to find the one that is best for your application. Some of the most common areas in your home to check for adequate insulation include:
- Attics
- Basement ceilings
- Exterior walls
- Under crawlspaces
6. Seal Cracks and Gaps
A couple of tubes of caulk and spray foam insulation can go a long way to improving your home’s environmental friendliness. Sealing cracks helps reduce drafts and lowers heating and cooling costs. it can also help keep out unwanted pests, which means less potentially harmful chemicals in and around your home. Take extra care where pipes or wires enter and exit through the exterior walls since these areas will naturally have holes.
There are plenty of home improvements that can impact the sustainability of your home. With the investment of just a few hours, you can reduce both your environmental impact and your utility bills.
