Six Ways To Make Your Home Eco-Friendly
When making improvements to your home to sell, it is important to consider what ways you can make your home more energy-efficient. When looking for a new home, buyers are going to consider the cost of living while choosing between houses. Do what you can to rank higher in their options! Here are six ways you can make your home eco-friendly!
Solar Panels
Deciding to install solar panels is something you probably want to consider for more of a long-term investment, but if you want to think of the future and value of your home this could be a good option. First, make sure you have a space on or near your home that gets a lot of sunlight. It also doesn’t hurt to consult a professional and see if your home has a good setup.
LED Lighting
LED lightbulbs have come a long way in recent years. There are so many different styles, color tones, and brightness levels to choose from. Yes, the cost of a single LED lightbulb is going to be more than an incandescent bulb, but they last a whole long longer and save at least 20% more energy.
Low Flow Shower Heads & Toilets
The amount of water used by toilets and in the shower is something that can be easily overlooked. If your toilet or shower head is on its way out or you are looking to make an upgrade, consider purchasing ones that have low flow. This means that the amount of water being used per use is a whole lot less and you won’t feel a difference in pressure.
Appliances
Just like with toilets and shower heads, the washing machine and dishwasher can also use more water than necessary. Front-end loading machines only use enough water to clean clothes, versus a top loader that needs to be filled enough to cover everything. Consider replacing also your refrigerator, dryer, and other appliances with more eco-friendly versions.
Smart/Digital Thermostats
One way to save on your heating bill is to update your thermostat with either a digital or smart thermostat. Digital thermostats are relatively inexpensive and they allow you to set a more accurate temperature in each zone. If you would like to invest in something even more effective, purchase a smart thermostat that will learn your routines and automatically change the temperature based on when you are home.
Windows
Changing out your windows for a more eco-friendly option is one of the best ways to save in your home. Because they are in the outside walls of your home, a lot of heat can be lost through them if they aren’t sealed properly. Choose windows that are double-glazed to ensure that your home will be sealed up tight. It can be expensive but you will save in the long run for sure!