Making our homes more sustainable is more than just about saving money on your energy bills, it also makes a difference for the environment.
There are many things you can do to make the air inside your home healthier and the energy you use more sustainable.
Your home is likely the most significant purchase you will ever make, and it’s also the place where you spend most of your time.
That means it’s a great place to start when you’re looking to make your life more sustainable. There are many ways to do this, but one of the easiest is to look at your home’s insulation—especially if you live in a drafty old house that hasn’t been updated in years.
Making your home more sustainable means making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint or cut down on your monthly utility bills, home improvements can help you save money and live more sustainably.
As your first step, research available tax credits, rebates, and other incentives to see if they can help you cover the cost of your upgrades.
Top 7 Ways TO Make Your Home Sustainable
Greening your home is a great way to lead by example and show the world that sustainability is important to you. However, it can be hard to know where to start. It can seem overwhelming to try to change all of your habits at once. So, take it one step at a time. Here are ten ways to make your home more sustainable.
1. Install high-performance windows
High-performance windows are a great way to lower energy costs around your home while still optimizing your home’s natural light. They’re also an investment that can pay off in the long run. But not all high-performance windows are created equal. Some are better designed to fit your home than others, and some are a lot more energy-efficient.
2. Recycle and reuse any construction waste
Recycling is great: it saves natural resources and reduces waste. But it’s not always enough. Sometimes, you need to reuse the materials you recycle to truly make your home eco-friendly. This is especially true in the case of construction materials. It’s easy to throw out leftover wood, but don’t overlook the reusable potential of these materials.
Have you ever thought about what to do with your old construction waste? Sure, you can find a (dump) site to get rid of it, but there are smarter ways to recycle and reuse this debris. You can take old wood and turn it into brand new wood. Old glass and plastic can be combined to make durable, reusable fiberglass insulation. Even old concrete can be broken down and reused for new concrete projects.
3. Plant an energy-efficient garden
Over the past half-century, scientists have studied the effects of different plants on air quality, water quality, and soil quality. They’ve also researched how different plants affect the energy efficiency of a home. Some plants are better at removing carbon dioxide from the air (cacti) while others can block the sun’s rays (palms and large bushes). Some plants can purify water, while others absorb water so that less evaporates into the air (plants with large leaves).
4. Opt for energy star appliances
If you are looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint, you can start by making your home more energy efficient. You’ve probably heard about the benefits of choosing efficient products, and it’s never too late to make the switch to energy star appliances. These appliances may cost a little more than their inefficient counterparts, but over the long run they save you money. They significantly reduce your energy bills and can even lead to lower insurance premiums.
Making your home fully sustainable means striking a balance between reducing your environmental impact and living comfortably. While energy-efficient appliances are a great place to start, some changes to the building itself can also make a big difference. You can get radiant floor heat in your bathroom or kitchen by installing a hydronic or radiant floor heating system, for example.
5. Swap Regular Light Bulbs For LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are the way to go if you are looking to reduce your home’s carbon footprint without sacrificing quality. The lighting technology is quickly growing more affordable, but it’s important to do your research before you buy. The type and wattage of the bulb you choose will have a direct effect on how much you end up paying for your next electricity bill, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before you shell out for the first LED bulb you see.
LED bulbs use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs, while lasting up to 25 times longer. The best part, however, is that you can buy LED bulbs at most stores. So swap out your old light bulbs today to start saving energy and money!
6. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Wash your clothes in cold water to reduce your energy consumption? The simple solution to a complex problem. When you wash your clothes in hot water, you waste energy. The average cost of a large washing machine is $499.99. If you run your washing machine for an hour a day and your energy costs are $0.10 KWh, the cost of running your machine for a year is $1,923.80. This number is based on an average cost of $0.10 per kilowatt-hour. The reality is this number will fluctuate greatly depending on your local energy company.
7. Use solar or wind power
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make your home sustainable is to use alternative energy sources. Solar power is one of the best options, but it’s not the only one—sustainable energy includes anything that doesn’t cause pollution or contribute to global warming. The two most popular forms of sustainable energy are solar power and wind power. Both are widely available and relatively easy to install.
Both wind and solar energy harness the power of the sun and wind, and both are considered sustainable resources. Wind power, for example, uses wind to generate power. While solar power uses sunlight to generate power. Both wind and solar energy are considered clean energy sources because they do not produce any toxic byproducts and they do not pollute the air or create greenhouse gases.
Last Words
The biggest consumers of energy in most homes are the heating and cooling systems, and the major appliances. Installing energy efficient equipment is the most effective way to fight climate change. It saves you money on energy bills and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Start by shopping for energy efficient equipment.
