As a homeowner, you may be thinking about ways to improve your home and update various areas of it. In today’s world, it’s important to think beyond just average home improvements and pay attention to sustainable options that could benefit you and the environment. Here are a few ideas to think about:
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Change your energy plan
A key area of home improvements that could help you save energy by powering your home is to change your energy plan. It’s a good idea to look into renewable energy plans so that you can do better for the planet while also saving money for your budget.
There are alternative ways to power your home. You could look into local solar panel companies or even consider a residential wind turbine option if that’s suitable for your house and location.
Update your lighting
There are a couple of different methods for choosing sustainable lighting. Instead of using normal light bulbs that use a lot of energy, look into energy-saving lighting that will help you save on energy while also helping you to save more money on electricals.
Another thing that you could do, if your budget allows for it, is to install a smart lighting system. What this can do for you is help you turn off the lights in rooms when they’re not being used, which is something that can easily be forgotten, especially in a multiple-person household.
Replace windows and doors
Older homes typically have windows and doors that allow for heating or cooling to escape, which in turn will require you to amp up your HVAC system to allow for a comfortable temperature. Installing sealed windows and doors can help you fix this problem and do your part to upgrade your home into a more sustainable one.
This can be a great way to improve your home’s value, especially if your windows and doors are a bit outdated. It may be more than just helpful for the environment. It can also help improve curbside value, so if you want to sell your home, you’ll get more money for it.
Use recycled materials
Another way to make sure you’re doing what you can to improve your home’s sustainability points while also upgrading it is to use recycled materials.
When looking for a contractor, you’ll want to look into options that already use recycled materials while also looking into recycled material suppliers that you can purchase materials from.
Additionally, ask about what you can do with the materials in your home that you’ll no longer be using. For example, if you’re updating your countertops to look more modern, look into what you can do with the old materials used in your home so that you’re contributing to the recycling cycle.
While you’ll want to be sure that the recycled materials are of top quality so that your upgrades are long-lasting, it’s a great way to practice sustainability with your home improvements.
Be careful with things like paint
If you’re just doing minor upgrades, such as repainting your home, you’ll still want to look into the most sustainable ways to do that. For example, there are paints out there that contain chemicals that aren’t good for the environment or you.
You’ll need to look into the best eco-friendly paint so that you can be sure you’re making the best decision for your sustainability plans and your family’s safety. If you’re hiring someone to paint your home and they’re sourcing the paint, make sure you pass on your desire for eco-friendly paint to be used.
In Conclusion
Are you looking into home improvements in the new year? Perhaps you’d like to modernize your home, or maybe you’re hoping to enhance its value for a future sale. Whatever the case, make sure you’re keeping sustainability in mind when planning for your home’s upgrades. It will be good for you and good for the planet.