We should never take home improvements too lightly. Whether we’re attempting to revise for aesthetic purposes alone or for a more functional cause, executing them thoughtfully, securely, and (duh) correctly is pretty important. And while we don’t necessarily believe that all changes to a home should be done with resale in mind, it IS advisable to consider whether your work will last—and maintain a professional appearance—should you ever decide to sell. Of all the changes you can make to your home, there are plenty that will boost its value (we did a story on some quick and affordable improvements, which you can read here).
But eco-friendly updates, in particular, are both a smart and responsible way to make your home run more efficiently and, thereby, save you money.
Not only that, they’re designed to reduce your carbon footprint, which is always a win, no matter how small.
We decided to highlight some sustainable home improvements, outlining the potential savings and benefits of each. We’ve started with those that are least expensive, and rounded things out with updates that require a bit of an investment on your part. But no matter the costs, your efforts see both a healthier living environment and an increase in the value of your home.
Flip the switch to LED bulbs
LED bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, reducing electricity costs and lasting much longer. This obviously translates to less waste. Plus, you can choose to use smart light bulbs, which come with wireless communication abilities (we’ll get into more smart stuff down the list a ways).
Layer on some eco-friendly paints These paints contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improving indoor air quality (kind of a big deal in this state). They also tend to have better coverage, which means you'll likely require fewer coats to finish the job. Again...less waste!
Flush your old toilets and faucets
Water-saving toilets and low-flow faucets use less water per flush/use, which means reduced water bills and a nice step toward the conservation of a precious resource (especially in drought-prone areas) that we often take for granted.
Plant native and water wiser
The idea here—the end-goal—should be a water-wise, pollinator-friendly garden. Using native plants can significantly reduce the need for irrigation, which both minimizes water usage AND supports local ecosystems. Plus, keeping your exterior landscape pollinator-friendly (we laid out a few ways you can do that right here) attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that benefit the entire ecosystem (humans, animals, and insects included).
Smarten up your home tech
Smart home devices—things like programmable thermostats, lighting controls, smart bulbs, security systems, and appliances—can optimize energy use by adjusting settings based on your habits. This reduces unnecessary energy consumption and really ups the convenience factor.
Insulate your estate
Improving the insulation in your home and installing energy-efficient doors wherever possible can help to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This, in turn, reduces the need for heating and cooling, thereby lowering your energy bills.
Let light in, keep weather out
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can be a costly, but really great step in the right direction. The heat gained or lost through your windows is responsible for roughly 25% to 30% of your heating/cooling energy use. Energy efficient windows can significantly help in all seasons, thereby improving your comfort level AND lowering costs to heat and cool your home.
Be your own energy star
Energy Star appliances are designed to use less energy and water than standard models, which can lead to substantial savings on utility bills over time. The list of potential Energy Star products includes everything from heat pumps, thermostats, and A/C to dishwashers, washer/dryers, refrigerators, and more, so you can start with just one and work up to full efficiency over time.
Say "tanks, but no tanks"
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand rather than storing it, which leads to lower energy costs and provides a continuous supply of hot water without the inefficiencies of traditional models. This can be a significant financial investment on your part, but according to the Dep’t of Energy, the on-demand design is anywhere from 8% to 34% more efficient than storage water heaters.
Save through the roof
A new roof is a great way to improve energy efficiency through better insulation and ventilation. Should you decide to take it a step further with solar panels (or even solar shingles), you can significantly reduce or even eliminate electricity bills by harnessing renewable energy. This requires a sizeable initial investment, but don’t forget about tax credits provided via the Inflation Reduction Act.
Homeworks Property Lab, 66 Exchange Pl., SLC P: 801.810.8696
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