While working on any home improvement project, the top question on most homeowner’s minds is, “Will this improvement save me more money?” In some cases, homeowners wish to make certain changes but think, “Can I fit this in my budget, though? I don’t think so.” Some of us will even think, “Will the changes I make in my home hurt the environment?”
Every day, a growing number of homeowners are becoming more aware of their environment. At the same time, they prefer to save money or improve their credit score. If they can achieve both on their home improvement projects, that would be THE dream.
With a growing focus on sustainable home design, many homeowners want to explore projects that positively impact the earth, their homes and their wallets.
Why Go Green With Your Home Improvement Projects?
Sustainable home improvement projects achieve two goals: go green with your home and save you green (a.k.a. money) at the same time. Even a small green home improvement can help you save hundreds of dollars annually, while the bigger projects can significantly boost your home’s value.
Also, energy-efficient projects can be accomplished with any budget, especially if you plan them properly. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a home upgrade if you don’t have the budget for it. But you can make small changes that add up. Over time, these savings will make your sustainable changes worth your while.
Upgrading Your Home
One of the best parts about eco-friendly home improvements is just how easy they are. Regardless of your lifestyle, you can optimize your home to be more eco-friendly. According to the Ohio State University, a universal awakening to the detrimental effects of fossil fuels and severe climate change is increasing the public’s interest in sustainable design. As a result, innovations in home improvement are plentiful.
A couple of new approaches to green building design include the following:
- Recycled and natural building materials. Many contractors are turning to recycled and natural materials when it comes to new buildings and home improvements. Apart from reducing and reusing overall waste, recycled materials mean more affordable projects costs. At the same time, you mitigate the environmental cost of using brand-new materials. You can, for instance, use rammed earth walls. This option rams a mixture of sand, gravel, silt and a small amount of clay in between flat panels. This low-carbon and eco-friendly option can be used as thermal storage.
- Heating and cooling. Energy demands for heating and cooling systems are expected to rise over the years. Because of this, many high-impact heating, low-threshold and cooling options can be incorporated into existing structures or new ones. For instance, a geothermal heat pump is efficient and cost-effective. Plus, it’s good for the environment and easy on your wallet (it reduces the cost of your power bill).
Combining new eco-friendly designs into your home need not be complex. If you wish to build your home, incorporate more sustainable materials as you build. However, even if you’re not building a new house, upgrade outdated aspects of your home like installing solar panels on the roof or replacing an old water heater. The upfront costs may be expensive, but over time you will see returns on your investment, as well as reduce your impact on the environment.
Start a Compost Pile
If you start composting, your garden and wallet will love you for it. The best part is you don’t need a green thumb to start composting. All it takes is some gardening tools and the right composting techniques.
If you want to have a professional fertilize your garden, it can cost you $90 per treatment. But if you want to save more money, start a compost pile by using your food scraps instead. All you have to do is collect your kitchen scraps and yard waste in a composter. When the time comes, spread the decomposed material in your garden, flowerbeds and trees. When planting an avocado tree, use the compost to promote the health of your tree.
Composting is a simple process that significantly lowers your carbon footprint. At the same time, it enriches your soil, minimizes plant disease and reduces pests.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels may have an expensive upfront cost, but it’s a cost-efficient way to heat and cool your home using alternative energy. With government tax benefits, it’s becoming easier for homeowners to make the switch to solar energy.
If you can’t afford to redo your home’s entire system in one go, start small. For example, replace your outdoor lighting with solar lights. You can also install a solar water heater to reduce your heating costs minus the heavy investment.
Endnote
Going sustainable with your home improvement is a great decision. It wouldn’t just improve the look and value of your home; it will also save you money and take care of the planet at the same time.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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