With Earth day and the start of spring having recently occurred, it’s important to be aware of the impact we leave on the environment around us. Now more than ever, homeowners are making the shift towards building high-efficiency homes or upgrading their homes to be more sustainable. While making these kinds of upgrades to a home can be costly, there are programs and incentives homeowners can follow. Read on to see four ways you can make your home more sustainable.
Solar water heater. Adding a solar water heater to your home is a great investment that will conserve water and can be used in any climate. There are two different kinds of solar water heaters one can install for their home, an active system vs a passive system depending on the homeowner’s needs. Once the water heater has been installed, you can continue to conserve energy by practicing small habits such as using only cold water in your washer and running the dishwasher once it is full to eliminate water waste associated with hand-washing.
Energy-efficient windows. Updating your existing windows or replacing your windows to improve efficiency is another upgrade homeowners can make to improve the quality of their homes. While it may seem minor, heat gain and heat loss through windows requires residential systems to use a lot of energy. Existing windows should always be checked for air leaks. Click here to learn more about what kind of windows work best for your home.
Smart thermostats. Installing a smart thermostat in your home is an excellent way to cut down on energy use, which in turn lowers one of the many costs homeowners have to face. A smart thermostat allows you to control the heating and cooling system in your home more efficiently, as they can be easily programmed and adjusted based on needs or energy goals. Imagine scheduling the temperature to your preference while you’re home to enjoy it and then adjusting it while you’re away to conserve energy. This is one of the many ways homeowners can make the transition towards a more sustainable life.
LED lighting. Using LED lighting is a great cost-effective way to make your home more sustainable. Compared to other lighting options, LED light bulbs offer comparable or better lighting quality, are more durable and last longer. Studies have shown residential use of LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy.
Elevating your home to make it more sustainable is not only great for the environment, but entices potential buyers. If you’re looking to make eco-friendly upgrades to your home or find a high-efficiency home, our agents would be happy to assist you.
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