Everyone wants to have a comfortable and stylish home, but it’s also important to think about how our home improvements impact the environment. If you’re looking for some low-cost home upgrades that will help to protect the environment, here are some great ideas.
Whether you’re looking to home improvement ideas before selling or if you just want to save money over time and protect the environment, here are five of the best ways you can do it.
1. Low-flow Shower Heads and Faucets
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends replacing old showerheads and faucets with low-flow models that use 20% less water than older models. Low-flow fixtures not only conserve water but can also reduce your energy bills by using less hot water from your heater. Plus, many of these models come in sleek, modern designs that will look great in any bathroom or kitchen.
2. Reuse Old Furniture
Reusing old furniture is a great way to save money while helping the environment. Instead of buying new furniture, consider upcycling or repurposing your existing pieces. Take an extra step and use eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, jute, or recycled wood for your repairs and renovations. This will help reduce waste and give your pieces an eco-friendly touch.
3. Install Solar Panels
While not necessarily “low-cost” solar panels are becoming increasingly popular due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness over time. Installing solar panels on your roof can drastically reduce your electricity costs while supplying clean, renewable energy to power your home appliances and electronics. While upfront costs of solar panels may be high, the long-term savings make them worthwhile investments for any homeowner looking to go green on a budget.
4. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to save energy around your home. They allow you to program your heating and cooling systems so that they’re only running when you need them—not all day long—which helps reduce waste while saving you money on utilities. Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely via an app on your phone or tablet, so you can adjust the temperature even when you’re away from home.
5. LED Lighting
Replacing traditional bulbs with LED lighting is another easy way to help protect the environment in your home. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs, which helps lower your electricity bill while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. LEDs also last much longer than traditional bulbs, so you won’t have to worry about changing them out as often.
There are plenty of low-cost home upgrades we can make around our homes that help support the environment without breaking the bank. From installing low-flow fixtures for reduced water usage and energy bills to switching over to LED lighting for improved efficiency, there are countless ways we can do our part in protecting our planet without sacrificing comfort or style in our homes! No matter what kind of budget or timeline you’re working with, there are sure to be solutions that fit within your means and help support a healthier planet at the same time.
