Eco-Friendly Home Renovations: Building a Sustainable Future

Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash

Watch the news or talk to people in your neighborhood, and you’ll find that many folks are dedicated to reducing waste and living a more eco-friendly life. While there are many ways to help the planet, from planting trees to buying second-hand products at thrift stores, you can also make quite a difference within your own home.

There are countless renovation projects and upgrades to make around your property to cut down on waste and use less water and electricity. Even the structure of your house can be made more sustainable.

Let’s examine the different options for eco-friendly living and some small and large upgrades you should consider for your property.

Follow The Trend Of Green Construction

If you’re on the fence about making sustainable upgrades, it may help to consider some green building stats. A concern is that around 40% of carbon emissions are caused by the construction of buildings and the resources necessary to keep them up and running.

You can be a part of the solution by opting to go green with your building project and be part of something bigger. The United States invested more than $86 billion in green building projects in 2021 alone, so you know you’re a part of something great.

Consider Your Windows

Many aspects of a home can make it eco-friendly, including the design. For example, by installing more windows in your home, you’ll increase the amount of natural light, which can help reduce the use of lights.

If you have an older home, it may be time to upgrade your windows. The goal is to ensure that your windows and doors are properly sealed. If they’re not, your HVAC systems could work longer than necessary because the heat or air they’re producing is escaping through the perimeter of your windows. When this happens, it’s a waste of energy and money because your utility bills will likely increase. Get new windows and make your life easier while helping the planet.

Avoid Water Waste

When considering potential upgrades, find ways to cut down on water waste. When you’re smart about water, you’ll save on your monthly bill while providing a great service to the world, since freshwater is a dwindling resource.

The good news is that due to recent trends in eco-friendly plumbing, you can make many water conservation upgrades in your home. One of the most exciting advancements is the creation of smart plumbing systems, where your pipes are equipped with sensors that detect leaks so you’re not unknowingly wasting water. Another incredibly impactful advancement is the use of glass plumbing fixtures. The glass can be melted down and used in many applications, and it’s recyclable.

If you want to make a difference but don’t have the time or need to completely revamp your plumbing, there are other tactics you can try. An easy one is to switch out your existing faucets and showerheads for low-flow alternatives. They use less water but work just as well, so you’ll barely notice a difference.

Another idea is to invest in a tankless water heater because it heats the water on demand instead of keeping it warm all day. Plus, it typically has a longer lifespan than a traditional water heater, and, best of all, you’ll get hot water faster when you turn on the tap.

Watch Electricity Usage

Since you’re likely using electricity in some capacity throughout the day, finding ways to use less while you’re remodeling and revamping your home is a good choice. An easy way to get started is to take advantage of smart devices. Lights and fixtures you can access from your phone can be turned on and off at any time instead of staying on all day. There are also smart and eco-friendly kitchen appliances, like coffee makers and refrigerators. Many smart devices can also inform you of energy use so you can make the necessary modifications.

A smart thermostat is one of the best devices to add during your renovation because you can program it for your needs throughout the day. For instance, during the summer, you can program the thermostat to automatically turn to a higher temperature when everyone is out of the house during the day, so it’s not running the whole time. Then, you can program it to automatically go to a cooler temperature every day before you get home.

You can make your green appliances and upgrades even more sustainable by harnessing the sun’s power and going solar. Installing solar panels is often worth the investment, but you’ll want to consider your particular situation before proceeding.

A big consideration is your energy needs. Ultimately, you’ll want to talk to an expert and see if the costs of buying and using solar panels will be more or less than what you’re currently paying for electricity. Your home will also need to be where you get plenty of sunlight. There’s also the cost of buying the panels, which may initially seem hefty. However, you may also be eligible for tax credits and incentives, so think about that as well. If everything seems good, consider going forward.

Conclusion

You can make many changes around your home to make it as sustainable as possible, and they’re worth the investment. Make positive changes where you live, and others may take notice and follow suit.