Are you looking to make green changes to your home? Whether you’re looking for ways to live a more environmentally sound lifestyle or you want to increase your home’s resale value, there are a number of changes you can make. Here are eight eco-friendly updates to make to your home.
- Install an EV Charging Station
If you want to live a greener lifestyle, you may already own an electric vehicle. Maybe it’s a Tesla, a Mustang Mach-E, or one of the many other popular models on the market. Sure, you can charge your EV on the go; after all, there are EVgo Tesla charging stations and many other options for “plugging in” on the road. But having an option to charge your vehicle at home will make your life easier — and maybe even increase your home’s value. Charging your electric car at home can often be more cost effective and convenient than going to a public charging station.
- Choose Green Flooring Options
If you’re doing a home renovation, be sure to keep green flooring options in mind. Some of the most eco-friendly upgrades include recycled tiles, reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, stained concrete, and recycled rubber.
It’s best to stay away from vinyl when it comes to updating the flooring in your home, as it typically has a high carbon footprint. Wood also isn’t the best option since it’s not easily renewable.
- Opt for Smart Thermostats
A sustainable home upgrade you can make is switching to smart thermostats. This allows you to use your smartphone to raise or lower the heat according to who’s home or the temperature outside, even when you’re not around.
- Update to Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you have old, out-of-date appliances, it might be time to consider updating to energy-efficient models. Opt for Energy Star-certified choices when it comes to your stove, refrigerator, water heater, and washer and dryer.
In addition to increasing your home’s value, you’ll also save money on your electric bill when you make these green upgrades.
- Invest In a New Front Door
A steel front door can help make it so you use less electricity to heat or cool your home. These doors fit more snuggly, allowing less air to travel in or out. This means the hot air from the outdoors won’t be able to make its way in, just as the heat indoors won’t be able to escape when it’s cold outside.
- Consider Installing Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to lower your carbon footprint. This renewable source of energy can be expensive upfront, but there are tax credits available to reduce the cost of installation.
You might opt for full solar panel energy, but since it relies on sunlight to work, this isn’t realistic for everyone. Using solar panels in addition to your regular electricity can still amount to huge savings on your electric bill — and reduce fossil fuel usage.
- Invest in a Greener Roof
Even though they might not be visually appealing to some, metal roofs are a durable and eco-friendly option. They, like steel doors, can help reduce heating and cooling costs. The interlocking metal on these roofs is also wind-resistant, which further helps prevent your home from becoming cold and drafty.
- Plant a Garden
Planting a fruit and vegetable garden is one of the best ways to live a greener lifestyle. You might even consider going one step further and investing in a home greenhouse so you can plant more fruits and vegetables throughout the year that might not grow due to extreme weather conditions. Although the greenhouse itself might not directly increase your home value, it can draw more interest from potential home buyers.
These are just eight eco-friendly updates to make to your home. Not only are these changes good for the environment, but they’ll help reduce your monthly electricity bill and maybe even increase your home’s value when you resell.
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