Have you thought about making your house more sustainable? It would reduce the negative impact your daily life has on the environment by having you switch to more energy-efficient solutions and creating a healthier home environment without forcing you to give up your comfort.
However, transforming your home into a sustainable one may necessitate significant investments in innovative, environmentally friendly improvements, as well as costly installation. Fortunately, there are several affordable eco-friendly solutions on the market you can switch to without spending a fortune!
Below, you will find a list of five different ways to save on costs and make your home sustainable, including adding insulation, installing a floor heating system, going solar, using recycled materials for your renovations, and investing in energy-efficient appliances. Continue reading and learn how to make your home sustainable!
Install a Floor Heating System
Floor heating is a great way to save money and reduce energy costs. It may seem like a big investment, but it is worth your money! The cost of installing a floor heating system depends on the size of your house and how you want to heat it. There are quite a few types of floor heating systems, with the most popular ones being electrical radiant and hydronic radiant.
Electrical radiant floor heating systems use electrical resistance to heat the flooring material and distribute heat throughout the space. Such systems do not use much energy and can be easily installed by anyone who knows how to use basic tools.
On the other hand, hydronic radiant floor heating systems use hot water to heat the flooring material. A hot water radiator installed under the floor heats it up using a small amount of hot water. Hydronic radiant floor heating systems are very energy efficient, but you will need a professional to take care of the installation process for you.
Add Insulation
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing additional insulation in your house can lower your bills significantly! For instance, attic insulation can prevent heat loss through the roof, which will really help improve the thermal efficiency of your house. Or the installation of protective roller shutters, which will save you from unnecessary noise and keep your home warm.
There are a number of other insulation options that you can choose from, including cellulose, fiberglass, and foam insulation. Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper and other recycled paper products. It does not contain any formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals, too, and it is considered to be a great alternative to fiberglass insulation.
Fiberglass insulation is made of glass fibres. It is a popular option among homeowners, as it is really affordable. However, it does have a number of disadvantages. For starters, it is a fire hazard and can emit toxic fumes when exposed to moisture.
Foam insulation is the cheapest option out of the bunch. It comes in two varieties – open-cell foam and closed-cell foam. The open-cell foam contains air pockets, which allow it to insulate your house better than closed-cell foam insulation. It is up to you to decide which type of insulation suits both your needs and your budget!
Go Solar
Solar panels on your roof can bring you thousands of dollars in energy savings while reducing carbon emissions. Because of that, installing solar panels on your roof is one of the best things that you can do to make your house sustainable!
Solar panels are inexpensive and easy to install if you have basic home improvement skills and spare time. In fact, you can purchase a pre-assembled home solar kit that contains all the parts that your solar panels need to function and install the solar panels yourself with the help of a friend!
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replacing your old appliances with energy-efficient ones is one of the easiest things that you can do to reduce your energy consumption and save money. If you live in the United States, choosing to buy energy-efficient appliances will allow you to take advantage of tax credits, rebates, and other incentives available in your area.
For example, the California Energy Commission offers rebates for energy-efficient equipment, including dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, and more. On top of that, the U.S. Department of Energy offers recommendations for choosing energy-efficient appliances including refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, clothes dryers, water heaters, and air conditioners!
The Bottom Line
To sum up, a sustainable house does not have to be an expensive one. If you want to make your home eco-friendly, you do not have to spend a fortune on energy-efficient appliances and professional installation. Instead, you can opt for small changes, such as installing attic insulation, buying energy-efficient appliances, and installing a floor heating system. As a result, you will not only be reducing your carbon footprint but also make your house a healthier place for both you and your family!
Infographic Provided By The Solar Energy Company, Route 66 Solar
