House

6 Improvements for a More Attractive and Eco-Friendly Home

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the air of uncertainty on people’s safety, health, and financial well-being still loom overhead. These days, making wise financial moves at every turn is essential for survival with mass layoffs and business closures happening practically everywhere.

One way that property owners like you should do to save money to build up your pandemic contingency fund is to make your home eco-friendlier in every possible way. And with staying at home now a matter of necessity, you should also make some conscious efforts to improve your home’s aesthetics and functionality for it to become a more livable place for your family.

Here are six improvements you should do to make your home more eco-friendly and attractive:

Energy-saving windows.

Not all windows are created equal. Some windows are just that: windows that let light in and give occupants a view of the outdoors. However, there are special windows that actually help homeowners save big on their monthly electricity bill and make homes more aesthetically-pleasing.

You should, therefore, get custom residential windows with excellent insulation to prevent direct sunlight from heating up your interiors and contributing to high power consumption. Since they can be made to specifications, it also means that they can be manufactured to match your current home design or even improve the look of your home. Finally, they facilitate effortless maintenance with their easy-to-clean construction, so you won’t be flexing your muscles too often.

The bottom line is that with energy-saving custom windows, you’re getting three benefits in one neat package.

Solar power system.

The solar power system has become so advanced, accessible, and inexpensive that it’s now easy for homeowners to make their properties greener by investing in renewable energy sources. There are now DIY solar kits that you can order and install on your own using basic tools, while those who prefer to just leave the job to the professionals can simply dial the number of a solar installation company.

While this improvement may bite off a portion of your budget, the long-term benefits you’ll get will be worth it. As long as there is sunlight, you’ll have access to free, clean, and renewable energy for your home.

Rain-harvesting facility.

Not only does the rain nourishes plants and trees everywhere and replenish watersheds that serve as a source of clean water, but it could also be a perfect ally to make your home more eco-friendly. By investing in a simple home rain-harvesting facility, you can save on your water bill considerably.

This feature effectively catches rain that runs off from your roof, so you’ll have a repository of rainwater that you can use to wash your vehicle or water your lawn. You can have a small rainwater harvesting setup if you have a limited budget or invest in a commercial-grade one if your budget permits. Either way, this is one investment that you will never regret making.

LED lighting.

If you still haven’t switched to LED lights yet, now is the time to do so. Light-emitting diode (LED) lights are the most economical lighting options these days, given their low power consumption and long service life. They are likewise more eco-friendly since you won’t have to replace them too quickly when compared with other lighting solutions such as CFLs and incandescents.

While LEDs may cost higher than the other lighting options, they provide the best value for money benefits and features. These, ultimately, make them the best pick that would more than pay for the initial monetary investment you’ll make.

Reclaimed materials.

If you want to lower your carbon footprint while making your home look rustic and sustainable, reclaimed materials are the best materials for a home renovation or redesign.

Whether it’s salvaged wood or tin roof from a local junkyard or some old pipes for a custom indoor installation art piece, using such materials will not only save you big dollars but also give your home a raw, yet homey ambiance. And since you’re essentially repurposing and reusing materials that would otherwise just add up to the volume of waste in dumpsites, you’re also doing the environment a huge favor.

Smart thermostat.

Your home’s heating and cooling system should not make you bleed financially with the skyrocketing bills each month. If you’re using a traditional thermostat, then you must purchase a smart thermostat as a replacement soon.

This particular type of thermostat can be programmed or automatically ‘learn’ your heating and cooling habits and adjust itself to match them. Other models can be voice-activated or controlled with a companion app. These features will give you not only the convenience of automation and hands-free use, but also help bring down your monthly power use for big savings.

With these home improvement suggestions, your home will be more earth-friendly, energy-efficient, and attractive — the kind of home that others can only dream of.

Related Articles