More homeowners are embracing the benefits of environmentally-friendly home upgrades. Often, the challenge is determining which green upgrades will add the most value to your home. Fortunately, there are options for every budget. From the exterior to the interior, consider some of the following beneficial green upgrades for your home.
Smart Landscape Design
While landscaping can provide beautiful curb appeal, investing in smart landscape design can also help reduce energy consumption, while making your home more comfortable. For example, creating shade through the strategic placement of trees can cut air conditioning costs anywhere from 15 to 50%. Trees can also be used for windbreaks, lowering windchill and reducing heating costs.
Minimize Energy Loss
A home can lose a large amount of energy through its windows, skylights, and doors. While replacing such items can be costly, the energy savings are significant. Some of today’s efficient windows are up to 40 per cent more efficient than standard double-glazed windows. Features of efficient windows include double or triple glazing with sealed insulation between the layers, special coatings, insulated frames, among others. Look for products that are Energy Star certified for your area.
Lighting is Everything
Lighting can really impact the ambiance of a home, and one of the simplest ways to reduce your home’s energy footprint is through lighting. Replacing inefficient incandescent lights with more efficient bulbs, such as CFLs or LEDs, will help slim down energy bills. Additionally, consider adding dimmers or timers for just the right amount of light at the right time.
Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling your home is a major source of energy consumption. Programmable thermostats on the market today are easy to use, affordable, and have a sleek design. Popular products such as the Nest Thermostat can save anywhere from 10 to 15% on heating and cooling costs.
Heating your home’s water is the second largest source of energy consumption, accounting for 17% of the energy consumed in an average Canadian home. Consider upgrading your home’s water heater to a newer, more efficient model that is Energy Star qualified. There are various types of water heaters available, including tank-less, which can free up square footage.
Upgrading Appliances
From the kitchen to the laundry room, appliances account for another large portion of home energy consumption. Replacing old appliances with new Energy Star efficient models will help reduce your home’s ecological footprint and energy costs, while adding impressive resale value.
The options for environmentally friendly home upgrades are vast, and there are effective solutions for every budget. Which will you invest in to add value to your home?
Which environmentally-friendly home upgrades will you invest in?
The options for environmentally friendly home upgrades are vast, and there are effective solutions for every budget. Which will you invest in to add value to your home?
