Eco-Friendly Home Improvements: Renovate for the Planet and Your Wallet

If a renovation is on your home’s schedule, you may wonder if you can upgrade it for efficiency—the answer is always yes. There are many ways a home can reduce its carbon footprint and energy consumption. One of the most important ways to make a home eco-friendly is through its energy source. Many of these upgrades will also help you save a lot on utility bills. If you’re craving a home renovation but want to impact the environment positively, look at these common ways to change your home into a sustainable sanctuary.

Renewable Energy

The type of energy your home uses plays a significant role in its impact on the environment. Switching to clean, renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, you’ll save money on energy costs in the long term; despite a typically costly installation, monthly utility bills will be significantly lower when you switch to these clean energy sources. Many states offer tax credits or similar incentives for using renewable energy like solar.

Solar energy requires solar panels, which can be placed on the roof or elsewhere on your property that receives direct sunlight. Solar panels store energy to provide power at night or when sunlight is not available.

Wind power utilizes wind turbines that can be placed anywhere on the property. Wind turbines can also store energy when there is less wind, which adds convenience.

Composting System

If you’re renovating your kitchen, consider including a built-in composting system for any organic waste that can be placed in a composting pile. The composting system can collect and store organic waste until it is taken outside while reducing odors. Composting is an efficient way to recycle organic waste to benefit nature and reduce landfill waste.

Greywater Recycling

If you’re renovating your plumbing or bathrooms, you can consider greywater recycling as part of your upgrade. Greywater recycling involves filtering and reusing water from sinks, baths, or showers for similar purposes. It’s a great way to save money on water utilities and reduce water usage in your home.

Rainwater Collection

Another alternative way to reduce water waste and lower your water bill is through rainwater collection. You can install a rainwater collecting system as a home renovation to filter and use the water. However, it’s important to check your local laws, as collecting rainwater isn’t legal everywhere. Some areas may only allow a small amount of rainwater collection.

Eco-Friendly Lighting

Adopting more eco-friendly lighting sources is a great way to reduce your home’s carbon footprint and energy consumption. There are several ways to do this.

Natural Lighting

The sun, the most significant natural light source, can easily illuminate your home when you install large windows to access this light. By strategically placing windows, skylights, and using light-colored fabrics and surfaces, you can maximize the amount of natural light that brightens your living spaces. Not only does this boost the aesthetic appeal of your home, it also promotes a sense of well-being and reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, leading to increased energy efficiency. Embracing natural light can also make your home feel more spacious and airy while also benefiting your mood and overall health.

LED Lighting

LED bulbs are durable for nighttime and last far longer than traditional bulbs without wasting as much energy. Switching to LED lighting throughout your home is a simple fix that will also put more money in your pocket. Some LED lights are customizable in brightness, color, and animation! Many LED light sources can be connected with smart home features, allowing you to turn them off from anywhere if you forget after leaving the house.

Efficient Roofing

Your home’s roof can be a natural insulator from excess heat or cold during harsh months. By switching to a more energy-efficient roofing source such as rubber, metal, or light roofing, you can filter out excess temperatures from your home, reducing your need to overwork your air conditioning. Many energy-efficient roof materials are also either recyclable, reusable, or made from recycled material.

Efficient Appliances

Your home’s appliances can use a lot of energy, but upgrades can change the amount they consume. Consider upgrading your kitchen appliances to eco-friendly versions that use less energy. Certain appliances are also compatible with smart technology, which allows you to monitor and control their energy consumption even when you’re not home. Your water heater can also be upgraded to types such as tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand instead of constantly. Many new washers and dryers also use far less energy than previous models.

Insulation

Your home’s insulation protects it from harsh temperatures, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The more insulated your home is, the less you will need to run your air conditioning or heating system (HVAC), reducing energy use and wear on your HVAC. If your home lacks sufficient insulation, consider upgrading it with eco-friendly materials such as cotton, wool, and hemp, or use recycled products like denim or cellulose made from recycled paper. Unlike traditional insulation materials that may contain harmful chemicals, eco-friendly alternatives are non-toxic and often better at regulating temperature and moisture, leading to a healthier indoor environment.

HVAC System

The largest energy consumer in your home is likely the HVAC. While your HVAC system is essential for indoor air quality and comfort, you’ll want to upgrade it to ensure peak energy efficiency. Many newer HVAC models are energy savers and come equipped with programmable thermostats that manage your temperature automatically when you’re out of the house, reducing the HVAC’s workload. Efficient HVAC systems will also put a lot more money in your pocket.

Repurposed Furniture

If you think your home needs an aesthetic makeover, you can use repurposed furniture made of recycled materials to achieve any look you desire. Repurposed or upcycled furniture reduces waste, aids in the recycling process, and can turn your home into a sustainable sanctuary.

Eco-Friendly Paints

If you want to adorn your walls with a new color, you can purchase eco-friendly paints that are non-toxic and feature ingredients like recycled water as a base. There are many types of eco-friendly interior and exterior paints in a wide variety of colors.

Efficient Windows

The quality of your windows plays a significant role in your home’s energy consumption. High-quality windows will filter out excess UV rays from the sun to ensure your home isn’t getting warmer than it should be in the summer while still providing the benefits of natural lighting. Good windows will also be properly installed and sealed to prevent weather leaks. A smart window can provide automatic tinting when the owner desires.

Eco-Friendly Construction

Before starting any major renovations, it’s vital to have a professional contractor on your team to ensure your visions are completed correctly, safely, and sustainably. You’ll want to make sure at least one contractor is experienced, reputable, and licensed, if applicable. Contractor licensing requirements vary by state and sometimes city, so you’ll want to verify their credentials. Some examples of varying state requirements are below.

Oregon

Understanding how to get a contractor’s license in Oregon is crucial to verifying credentials, and obtaining this license involves a lot of preparation and education classes. In Oregon, applicants must take a 16-hour pre-licensing course, take and pass a state exam, and pay fees. A hired contractor with credentials is a great first step to completing your eco-friendly home renovation.

Florida

In Florida, you do not have to take pre-licensing education but still need to pass an exam. You also must fill out licensing applications, submit proof of decent credit, and pay licensing fees. There are many types of contractor licensing in Florida, so be sure to know which license type the professional you hire carries.

California

To obtain a license in California, you need at least four years of experience either on the job or in formal education before applying. If you can verify this, you’ll also have to pass a two-part exam and pay any licensing fees. Many states, like California, require a certain number of hours or years of experience before applying to ensure expertise.

Conclusion

Switching to a clean energy source, upgrading your appliances, and installing new windows are great ways to make your home renovations eco-friendly. You can also consider smaller improvements, such as allowing more natural light and installing LED bulbs, to reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Water recycling can also be a great way to reduce water waste. These upgrades will also help you save money on utility bills over the long term.

About the Author:

Jessica Assaf is the editor of BeautyLiesTruth.com. She loves traveling, visiting new places, spicy food, anything with lemon, and nature and doesn't understand the point of taking a picture without one of us appearing in it.

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