Green home improvements (those that are good for the environment, not the color green 🤣) are becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. Homeowners might be seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and live a life that’s better for the environment. Or traditional municipality services are becoming too expensive. Electric prices are soaring, water supplies are dwindling, and the Earth is getting hotter. These green home improvements can actually help the planet, while saving you money on your energy bills.
Making your home more energy-efficient is a great place to start when it comes to green home improvements. Simple changes like upgrading your insulation, sealing air leaks, and installing LED lights can all make a big difference in reducing your energy consumption. And you’re creating a more comfortable home and making any additional (larger) improvements more energy efficient.
Another eco-friendly home improvement that is becoming more mainstream is the installation of solar panels. While this can be expensive upfront, it can be a good long term investment. Plus, by using clean, renewable energy, you won’t be relying on fossil fuels for your electricity needs.
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Energy-Efficient Upgrades
When it comes to making green home improvements, energy-efficient upgrades are a great place to start. These are smaller home improvements that are “normal” in home renovations, and the cost is not as high as installing a renewable energy power plant on your roof. A lot of energy efficient upgrades can (at least in the United States) have some kind of rebates associated with them, whether through your electric company or as a federal tax credit.
We live in a 50+ year old house, where everything is still basically from before the year 2000. Our furnace is 50+ years old, our windows were single pane windows with weights to help them stay open, our hot water tank is actually our age, and the dishwasher is an original GE from like 1974. Every year, we pick a project to make our home more efficient. So far, I think we’ve gotten federal tax credits back on upgrading our windows, adding attic insulation, installing a mini split heat pump (that will eventually replace our furnace), and our solar panel installation. The rebates and tax credits have enabled us to slowly start making our home more efficient and cozy.
Insulation and Windows
One of the best ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to upgrade your insulation and windows. Good insulation can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Basically, you’re keeping the climate-controlled air where you want it to be. While energy-efficient windows can help reduce heat loss and gain. According to the Department of Energy, energy-efficient windows can save you up to $465 a year on energy bills.
If you’re not ready to undertake installing new windows or insulation, then simply adding some new weatherstripping can prevent cold/hot air from leaking in around your windows. Window coverings, like light-filtering blinds and blackout/thermal curtains can have an insulating value 5x that of an uncovered window.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Another area where you can make significant energy savings is your heating and cooling systems. Especially since the technology built into them has advanced in recent years. Upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system can help reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
Energy efficient heat pumps are replacing the traditional central air + furnace household. Heat pumps take the thermal energy that’s available in the ambient air and move it into or out of your home. Since the heat pump is transferring the air from the environment, instead of creating warm air via a boiler fed by natural gas or fuel oil, heat pumps are quoted to be 300% more efficient (meaning they produce three times the energy that they utilize). Compare that to just 80-90% for the most efficient oil and gas furnaces, and it seems like a no-brainer.
You can also consider installing a smart thermostat or programmable thermostat to help you control your heating and cooling more efficiently. You can do this by targeting the unit to run at your desired temperature when you will be in your home instead of away at work.
Smart Home Technology
Finally, smart home technology can also help you make your home more energy-efficient. I’ll confess, this is more the Boyfriend’s area of expertise, but I’ll do my best.
For example, you can install smart lighting with motion sensors that turns off when you’re not in the room. Or even smart appliances that use less energy. We’re considering upgrading our 30 year old hot water tank to a heat pump hot water heater. This heat pump water heater would serve to dehumidify our basement and utilize that air to warm our water instead of from the frigid temperature it comes out of the ground.
You can also consider installing a home energy monitor, which can help you track your energy usage and identify areas where you can make improvements. Honestly, our Emporia Energy Monitoring system has been one of our most fun projects.
- You don’t have to buy any new electricity equipment (besides the monitor).
- Installation is DIY friendly. Please consult a professional electrician unless you are comfortable with this kind of thing.
- Learn. Now we know exactly what breakers utilize the most electricity and when.
Overall, making energy-efficient upgrades to your home is a great way to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more comfy and cozy. I know with each upgrade to our older house, we feel super accomplished and it feels more like HOME.
Renewable Energy Sources
When it comes to green home improvements, adding renewable energy sources are a great option. They help reduce your carbon footprint and they can save you money on your energy bills. We’ve added solar panels to our house and produce most of our electricity on top of our own roof, and we’ve briefly considered a windmill (potentially for a future addition of an electric vehicle). With electricity prices soaring (I just heard of a person with a $700 USD electric bill–that’s like a freaking mortgage payment), here are two popular renewable energy sources to consider:
Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems are a great way to harness the power of the sun to generate electricity. The solar panels are placed on the roof of your home (or via a ground mounted system), and they convert sunlight into electricity that can power your home. The energy generated by your solar panels can be used to power your whole home from lights, appliances, and electronics.
One of the biggest benefits of solar energy systems is that they can save you money on your energy bills, and their upfront costs are greatly reduced by the 25+ year lifespan of the panels. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your monthly energy costs. And you’re no longer getting energy from the burning fossil fuels. Additionally, there are often tax credits and other incentives available for homeowners who install solar panels. We installed a rather large solar array last year and our tax credits from our solar system paid off our new metal roof that we had installed before adding the system array.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps are another renewable energy source to consider. They work by using the natural heat of the earth (about 50-60 Fahrenheit all year long) to heat and cool your home. A geothermal heat pump system consists of a series of pipes that are buried in the ground, along with a heat pump unit that is installed inside your home.
During the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the ground and uses it to warm your home. In the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump extracts heat from your home and transfers it to the ground. This helps keep your home cool and comfortable during the hottest months of the year.
Geothermal heat pumps are a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy consumption and save money on their energy bills. They are also a clean energy source, which means that they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional heating and cooling systems.
Water Conservation and Quality
At home, in our day-to-day lives, we can make a significant impact on water conservation and quality by implementing green home improvements.
Low-Flow Fixtures
The first way to use less water is to turn off the faucet when you’re not using it: brushing your teeth, doing dishes, trying to “warm up” the water. One of the most effective ways to conserve water is by installing low-flow fixtures in our homes. Low-flow fixtures are designed to use less water without sacrificing performance, making them an excellent investment for both the environment and our wallets.
Replacing old and inefficient fixtures with low-flow alternatives can reduce indoor water use by about 30-40%. Low-flow fixtures include low-flow sink and bathtub faucets, showerheads, and toilets. And (at least in Pennsylvania) the utility company sends out a low flow faucet attachments to when you buy a new home, so all of our older faucets how low flow adapters on them.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Rainwater harvesting systems are an excellent way to conserve water and reduce our reliance on municipal water supplies. We don’t have municipal water at our little homestead, but we have a rainwater harvesting system in place because we don’t want to strain our well during the hottest/driest part of the summer just to water our garden. And it has been magical.
These systems collect and store rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces, which can then be used for irrigation, flushing toilets, and other non-potable uses.
Rainwater harvesting systems come in various sizes and configurations, from small barrels to large underground tanks. These systems can be integrated into our home’s existing plumbing system, but they don’t have to be, making them a convenient and eco-friendly addition to any home.
Sustainable Materials and Finishes
When it comes to making green home improvements, choosing sustainable materials and finishes is an important step. Not only do these materials have a lower impact on the environment, but they can also improve indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Flooring and Paint
One of the most important elements of any home improvement project is the flooring and paint. When it comes to sustainable flooring, bamboo and cork are two great options. Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that can be harvested without harming the plant. Cork is another sustainable option that is harvested from the bark of cork trees, which can grow back after being harvested. Both of these materials are durable, easy to maintain, and offer a unique look that can add character to any home. We’ve used cork underlayment in our home because of its natural moisture resistance and anti-microbial nature. AND it adds a softness to the floor that I don’t plastic-y underlayment would give us.
For paint, eco-friendly and low-VOC paints are the way to go. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are chemicals that can be harmful to human health and the environment. And when you’re painting indoors, you want to use a few chemicals as possible. Low-VOC paints are made with fewer of these chemicals, making them a safer and more sustainable option.
Recycled and Reclaimed Materials
Another great way to make your home more sustainable is by using recycled and reclaimed materials. These materials are often salvaged from old buildings or construction sites, and can include everything from reclaimed wood to recycled glass. Not only do these materials have a lower impact on the environment, but they can also add a unique and interesting look to your home.
Reclaimed wood is a popular option for flooring, furniture, and accent walls. It is often salvaged from old barns, factories, or other buildings, and can add a rustic and natural feel to any space. Recycled glass is another great option, and can be used for everything from countertops to backsplashes. It is made from recycled glass bottles and other materials, and is available in a wide range of colors and styles.
Or you can use what you already had. As we upgrade certain aspects of our home, we’ve been left with old doors, random 2x4s, and other items. I’m kind of a tiny-hoarder and I keep EVERYTHING for a future use and project (I know, I am working on it with sustainable decluttering). One of the ideas we just built for our basement remodel/home office creation actually has old bed slats in it. And I felt so good using those because they’ve been hanging around our home for a couple years now.
Final Thoughts on Green Home Improvements
When it comes to making your home more energy efficient and eco-friendly, there are a variety of home improvements you can make. From upgrading your windows and doors to installing an energy-efficient tankless water heater, every improvement counts towards creating a more sustainable home. Remodeling your home with energy-efficient features such as Energy Star light bulbs can greatly reduce your energy use and lower your utility bill.
These green home improvement projects not only improve your home’s value but also contribute to a cleaner environment. And potential home buyers are increasingly looking for green home features when shopping for a new home, so making these improvements to your home can help you save money and potentially even sell your home for a higher price. In the end, investing in sustainable home improvements is a win-win for both you and the U.S. as we work towards a more energy efficient and eco-friendly future.
Do you have any home improvements planned for the future? We have a whole project management board dedicated to ours, but I’m told that’s because we’re crazy kids who bought an old house…and I just really want to prove my mom wrong.