As time progresses, we watch the environment move higher on society’s list of priorities since it has such a direct impact on our daily lives. Your home, your family and ultimately, your wallet are impacted by the environment. It’s important to take care of it, and you can easily start by making your home eco-friendly.
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Whether it’s a major home renovation to make room for sustainable appliances or a minor addition of a new green lighting system, there are plenty of ways to green your home without breaking the bank. Read on for ways, both big and small, to integrate eco-friendly home goods without flipping your life or your bank account upside down.
Affordable Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Home
1. Doing Your Research Can Cut Costs
It’s common to be unaware of your home’s carbon footprint. However, a quick look at your electricity bills can definitely be eye-opening for you and your family. Familiarize yourself with energy-wasters and start doing your research on some of the most popular energy-efficient devices.
Look for the EnergyStar label while shopping and you’ll start seeing reductions in usage and on your utility bill.
2. Switch Up Lighting
You can integrate simple products like light bulbs into any room in your home to ensure energy and money are being used efficiently. Specifically, installing LED lighting can save up to 75% more energy and last 25 times longer than standard bulbs, saving money on utilities and replacement costs.
Keep in mind anything from cabinet lights to Christmas lights have LED alternatives.
3. Save Water in the Bathroom
Believe it or not, your toilet could be using anywhere between 20% and 60% more water than it needs to. Add to that the potential 30% of the water you can conserve by using an efficient showerhead and you could be saving a lot more water and money in the bathroom. In fact, a low-flow toilet alone can save you up to $110 a year or $2,200 over its lifetime, so it’s a no-brainer to welcome one into your home.
4. Sustain Energy in the Kitchen
Did you know your appliances make up for the bulk of your energy bill? Your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher work hard all day every day, so try revamping your kitchen with some energy-efficient devices with an EnergyStar approval. They could use up to 40% less power, sustaining a lot more money in your wallet at the end of the month.
5. Unplug to Save Energy
The use of gadgets and appliances in a home can use a lot of electricity. Plugging in multiple chargers for smartphones, laptops and the like can take a lot of energy. When a charger isn’t in use, it is best to keep it unplugged.
In addition, set timers, put your laptop into sleep mode, and unplug appliances that are not often used. Every little bit of energy you can conserve will help.
6. Look into Payment Options When It Comes to Eco-Remodels
Oftentimes, homeowners don’t have the money saved up to afford some of these larger eco-remodels. But the good news is, the more of your mortgage you pay off, the more loan opportunities you have.
For example, home equity loans are available to qualified homeowners to support major eco-renovations. Or, you could receive cash all at once by refinancing your mortgage through a cash-out refinance. Some lenders even provide green loans, a financing option that encourages homeowners to renovate their homes to make them environmentally friendly. Before you dive into any commitments, balance the pros and cons of these loans and seek advice from a professional.
A sustainable, eco-friendly home isn’t built in a day– take your time and make strides toward green living at your own pace. Shop around, be aware of your influence on the environment, and your family will save lots of money in the long run.
Read Next: 14 Unexpected Things to Look for When Buying a House
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