Many of us already have designs on living eco-friendlier, but it’s helped by the fact that making eco-friendly upgrades in your home can often reduce your utility costs, as well. The green movement has well and truly made its mark on our homes today for this reason. However, greenifying your home can take several different shapes, from inside to outside and from professional installation to do-it-yourself projects. In this post, we’ll show you a few of the best ways to increase your home or property’s eco-friendliness.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are one of the most obvious green improvements for homeowners, but they can be prohibitive to install because of their price. However, if you plan to live in your home for several years, the price may recoup itself in your electrical savings eventually, which is something to think about. Additionally, as more governments see the benefits of solar power, more refunds, rebates, and tax deductions are becoming available to reduce their considerable investment cost.
Plant a Native Garden
One of the best ways to maximize the eco-friendliness of your yard is to plant native species in your garden. Plant species that aren’t native to the area you live can cause problems with the natural ecosystem; often, they can overgrow easily due to lack of predators, which can result in unwanted debris. This in turn can clog up your gutters and cause unimaginable damage to your outdoor area.
To avoid water damage, always check that your gutters are well-maintained and clean. And to lower the odds of these type of inconveniences, opt for native plants which will better adapt to your natural conditions, and the native pollinators in your area will be more familiar with them, too. Encouraging native pollinators like mason bees and leafcutter bees is a great way to care for the environment. A garden hose reel would be a great addition to your garden.
Insulate Everything
Insulation doesn’t just keep your home warmer in winter; it also keeps your home cooler in the summer. If the roof of your home isn’t insulated, you should try to get that done as soon as possible, since much of your heat is lost through the roof of your home. However, making your home thermally efficient doesn’t stop there. Take the time to re-caulk older windows, seal holes where pipes and wires exit the house, and weather-strip windows and doors against drafts and changing temperatures. If you have older windows in your house, you may want to think about purchasing double-pane windows instead or adding on storm windows to increase insulation.
With these 3 easy steps, anyone can have a beautiful eco-friendly home that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.
