Thinking about the environment isn’t simply a trend. With how real climate change’s impacts are worldwide, more people must consider making changes seriously, and you have various options on how you choose to fight this battle.
For one, you can start living in an eco-friendly home. It’s more energy efficient and, because of high demand in the homeowner market, it’s highly valuable, too.
If you don’t already live in one, uprooting and moving won’t be necessary. With a few upgrades, you can make your home a core contributor to the fight against climate change. This article guides you on a few eco-friendly upgrades to live more sustainably and boost your home’s value.
What are Eco-Friendly Upgrades?
Eco-friendly upgrades are home modifications that reduce your environmental impact. The options are vast, and many don’t need to be so complex.
Swapping traditional light bulbs for LEDs—which have a greater energy efficiency—is a simple switch anyone can do. Indoor plants are also great eco-friendly upgrades, besides being aesthetically pleasing, since they improve indoor air quality.
Why bother with these upgrades? Most traditional homes weren’t built with sustainability in mind, making them resource-hungry buildings. Eco-friendly upgrades allow you to contribute to the fight to slow climate change without making a hefty downpayment on an expensive new property.
Moreover, a sustainable home can also lighten your bills. For example, solar panels can reduce your electricity bill since you’re receiving a portion of your home’s power from another source: the sun.
Eco-Friendly Options to Choose From
If you’re committed to transforming your home into one that’s far more eco-friendly, you will want to consider the options here.
1. Tankless water heater
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand. No more keeping a reservoir of water heating constantly. You can save on electricity bills without sacrificing a relaxing water shower.
2. Solar panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into energy, replacing a portion of the electricity you receive from the grid. This can significantly cut your spending on electricity. While some people are still hesitant about solar power since panels are costly, many have found the long-term returns from the investment to be worth it.
3. Smart Lights
Smart lights are LED bulbs you can customize. You can change its color and brightness using a smartphone app or through your integrated smart home system. Since they’re LED, they’re more energy-efficient than other bulbs. And since you can change its color whenever you want, you won’t have to spend for other colored bulbs to change your home’s ambiance.
The Positive Effects of Eco-Friendly Upgrades on the Environment
Eco-friendly upgrades to your home carry more than just aesthetics. Its real environmental impact makes the investment worth it when your home’s waste.
Carbon footprint reduction
Whenever carbon is released into the atmosphere, the surroundings get slightly warmer. It’s why so many eco-conscious people are concerned with limiting the carbon their lifestyle emits. Eco-friendly upgrades to your home produce as little carbon as they can, so you can use them sustainably without worrying about your effect on the environment.
Conserves natural resources
The planet has limited resources. Many have understood that societies can’t continue relying on them to live sustainably. Switching to renewable energy sources like the sun allows you to conserve our limited resources.
Helps mitigate climate change
Almost all environmental efforts slow climate change in one way or another. Regardless of what eco-friendly upgrade you decide on, making the switch can be a meaningful contribution to preserving the environment.
How Eco-Friendly Upgrades Enhance Your Home’s Value
Eco-friendly upgrades are great for the environment, but you may still want to consider how it benefits you financially. Fortunately, the demand for sustainable housing is high.
Lowers utility bills
This is especially noticeable when you install solar panels. Your home becomes less reliant on private electricity companies providing your energy since you can generate your own. Even without solar panels, eco-friendly upgrades, like LED bulbs, cut your utility bills by being more energy efficient; they use less electricity but can operate longer.
Future-proofs your house
Since the world is headed toward a sustainable future, investing in eco-friendly upgrades today future-proofs your home. It means you won’t have to spend extra money to keep the property modern in the coming years.
Reduce Impact, Increase Value
A green home benefits you in more ways than a more satisfying utility bill. It helps you live much more in alignment with your environmental protection values. It makes your home far more attractive to potential buyers.
The great thing is that you don’t have to relocate to begin living sustainably. Eco-friendly upgrades such as a waterless tank heater or solar panels can give your current home the boost it needs to reduce your environmental footprint. Don’t limit yourself to these options, either.
Investing in products made of natural materials also helps you create a greener home while supporting local businesses. Upgrades can also mean eliminating wasteful habits. Recycling bottles and boxes will help you live more sustainably at a far lesser cost than moving into a new property.