Green Home Improvement Upgrades

We’re currently in an era marked by growing environmental concerns. A big portion of news stories these days highlight natural disasters around the world and the increasing push to make real, impactful changes. And with that, homeowners are starting to prioritize finding ways in which they can make their homes more sustainable. 

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We’ve done some digging, and found a few green home upgrades that you can incorporate into your future home improvement projects, or simply as projects on their own. Not only do these upgrades reduce your environmental footprint, but they can also lead to long-term cost savings and a more comfortable living space. Let's dive into some of the key changes and upgrades you can consider to make your home a more functional and sustainable space. 

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ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENT UPGRADES

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1. Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors:

Upgrading your windows and doors to energy-efficient models can significantly reduce energy consumption. These products are designed to keep your home better insulated, preventing heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer. The result? A more comfortable home, a reduced carbon footprint, and of course, maybe the most appealing, but a lower monthly energy bill.

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2. LED Lighting:

Swapping out traditional incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LED lighting is quite possibly one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your home. LED bulbs are not only more energy-efficient, but they also last much longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements which will ultimately save you more money in the long-run.

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3. Smart Thermostats:

Installing a smart thermostat allows you to control your home's heating and cooling systems more efficiently. Over time, they learn your preferences and adjust your home’s temperature accordingly. And, if you’re on vacation, you can control the temperature/energy usage from your smartphone - turn it off while you’re away, and turn it on when you’re on your way home so you are welcomed to a very comfortable home.

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4. Solar Panels:

If you're looking for a more significant investment, solar panels are an excellent choice. They generate clean, renewable energy from the sun, reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and lowering your electricity bills over time. Oh, and if you didn’t know this, the government may offer incentives for solar panel installations, which makes them a financially attractive option.

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5. Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures:

To conserve water, consider installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads. These fixtures reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Did you know that the average shower faucet used around 2 gallons of water per minute?! That’s insane. 

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6. Natural Building Materials:

If you’re doing a bigger renovation project, opt for sustainable building materials. This can be anything from bamboo flooring to reclaimed wood, all the way torecycled glass countertops. You may have an image in your head of what bamboo floors look like but trust us, they’ve come a long way. These choices not only look great but they also move in the right direction in reducing the demand for new resources and lower your projects overall environmental impact.

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7. Insulation Upgrades:

It’s not calculus - a properly insulated home equals a more energy efficient home. Adding insulation to your walls, attic, or floors, can keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing the overtime work that your heating and cooling systems have been clocking. 

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8. Rainwater Harvesting:

If you live in an area with regular rainfall (which, if you live in Southwestern Ontario, you do), consider installing a rainwater harvesting system. The rainwater you collect can be used for watering your garden or even for non-potable uses within your home.

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There are likely a million other ways you can make your home more energy efficient, but small changes like switching to LED lightbulbs will go a surprisingly long way. If there’s one key takeaway we’d like you to gather from this, it’s that by helping the environment, you’re also helping your wallet. Energy efficient solutions reduce your carbon footprint which is largely reflected in monthly hydro and electricity bills. Save money and live more comfortably by considering small, but impactful changes. So, why wait? You can post a project on Bidmii today and begin to plan your green-home-overhaul.

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