Save Money and Live Green With These Home Improvements

If you want to improve your home and also live more sustainably, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s possible to get both of these things done at once. Have a look at the guide below to see some home improvements that you can make that will help you save money and live green.

Switch to Solar Power

If you’re still using electricity on the grid, you should know that you stand to make considerable savings by switching to solar power. While a solar installation may be a bit expensive upfront, it will save you a considerable amount of money down the road. You’ll also be in full control of your home’s power supply and won’t feel the effects of extreme weather as you would if you were on the grid.

Keep in mind that the average cost of solar photo-voltaic panels, according to the United States Department of Energy, has dropped almost 70% since 2014. This makes it more affordable to install solar, so you should take advantage of this. Depending on the state you live in, you could also be eligible for a grant.

Upgrade Your Home’s Windows

The windows you have in your home may be costing you money and making your home a lot less sustainable than it could be. This makes it a great idea to upgrade them, especially if you’ve had them for a long time. This is because there are technologies that promise to revolutionize residential windows and make them a lot more efficient and durable.

This is confirmed by the fact that by 2026, the size of the global Energy Efficient Glass market is forecast to reach $22,420. This is an increase from $21,750 in 2020 at a CAGR of 2.8% in the period from 2021 to 2026. Now is a great time to upgrade your home’s windows and you’re sure to be happy you made this call.

Find the Best Fuel for Your Home

While different people will say that a certain fuel is the best one over all others, the truth is a bit more complex. This is because there are many factors that come into play when you’re considering the best fuel for your home. The first one is the area in which your home is, with the climate and environment dictating the ease with which you can access different fuel types.

Setup costs and having to buy new appliances and equipment to use with a specific fuel should also be considered as part of the overall cost. While thinking about this, note that almost 20% of homes in the United States get some heat from burning wood. Roughly 4% of households across the country use wood as their main form of fuel to heat their homes. Since wood is a renewable source of energy, unlike fossil fuels, it may be better for the environment than other, more common energy sources. Consider switching from a gas or electric furnace to a wood furnace if you can’t afford to install a heat pump or an extensive solar array.

Service Your Appliances

Finally, make sure that your home’s appliances are serviced as frequently as they need to be. This is going to keep them functioning optimally and they’ll consume less energy while also giving off fewer emissions. That said, enlist the services of a professional who can show up to service your appliances as regularly as you need them to be serviced. Doing this could also lengthen the lifespan of your appliances and see you keep them for a lot longer. Clearly, the benefits are enough to motivate you to set up a schedule of maintenance and adhere to it.

Make these improvements to improve your home’s sustainability and live a greener life. You’ll pay less money over time and also set an amazing example for the people in your life. It takes practice to live sustainably, but once you get it right, you’ll find it easy to keep at it.