Human activities cause global warming. Sometimes, it’s as little as the fumes from our cars, or the chimneys in homes. Homeowners have realised how their activities affect the environment and are finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
One good way is by making some eco-friendly home improvements. Green renovations and upgrades can help you lower your energy use, increase the value of your home, improve the air quality inside, and save money in the long run.
Over time, these are some of the improvements homeowners are making to stay green-conscious:
- Power-saving windows
- Solar panels
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Insulation and weather-proofing tools
- Green roofs
- Smart thermostats
In this article, we will look at these green home improvement gadgets for homeowners that have their pros and cons, along with the price ranges for each.
1. Power-Saving Windows
Energy-efficient windows are one of the greatest ways to save on heating and cooling bills within a house. They are designed to minimise heat loss in winter and to keep your place cool during summer. Their offers of double or triple layers of glass, special Low-E coatings, and gas between the panes make them more energy-insulating, thereby improving the energy efficiency of any home.
Benefits
- Lower energy bills due to better insulation.
- Increased comfort levels through maintaining consistent indoor temperatures.
- Increased home value and curb appeal.
Drawbacks:
- The starting cost can be high, especially for bigger windows or special designs.
- Installation can be invasive and possibly require a professional.
Price Range: Energy-efficient windows usually cost between $300 and $1,000 each. Replacing all the windows in a standard-sized home can cost between $5,000 and $15,000. The price depends on the materials used and how complicated the installation is.
2. Solar Panels
Well-known and very effective eco-friendly home upgrades are solar panels. Homeowners can enjoy the sun’s energy by having solar panels installed, therefore reducing demand for ordinary electricity. Depending on the size of the system, solar power can partly or entirely run your house.
Advantages:
- Big drop in monthly electricity bills.
- Potential government incentives or tax rebates.
- Increases home value and sustainability profile.
Disadvantages:
- High up-front installation cost.
- Depending on weather and exposure to sunlight, which varies by location.
Price Range: The cost of solar panel installation can vary widely depending on your location and the size of the system. Homeowners can expect to pay between $10,000 and $25,000 for a full installation, before tax credits or incentives on average.
3. Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones is an excellent way to reduce your home’s energy usage. Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters now have energy-saving features certified by ENERGY STAR.
Benefits
- Save energy and reduce utility bills.
- Environmentally friendly because of less greenhouse gas emissions.
- New designs that work better.
Disadvantages:
- Higher up-front costs compared to conventional appliances.
- There can be technological glitches or incompatibility with older home systems.
Price Range: There is a wide variation in prices for energy-efficient appliances, depending on the type and brand. For example, energy-efficient refrigerators can cost between $800 and $2,500, while a high-efficiency washing machine would generally range from $500 to $1,500.
4. Insulation and Weather-proofing
Upgrading your home with insulation is one of the smartest ways to save money and help the environment at the same time. Insulation of the attic, walls, floors, and areas around windows and doors retains heat in the winter months and keeps the cooling costs lower during the summer. Sealing drafts can further make your home more comfortable while using less energy.
Advantages:
- Significant savings in heating and cooling costs.
- A more stable indoor temperature year-round.
- Quick returns on your investment through energy savings.
Disadvantages:
- Can be labor-intensive if done as a DIY project.
- You may require professional assistance for major renovations.
Price Range: The cost of insulation will depend on the materials, among other things, and the area size to be insulated. Mostly, a full insulation upgrade, which would require materials and professional installation, would likely cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000.
5. Rainwater Harvesting Systems
The collection and reutilization of rainwater through a harvesting system is an effective way to save water at home. Collected from your roof, the water can be used for watering plants, washing cars, or even flushing toilets, depending on the filtration system you have.
Benefits
- Lowers the water bills by using collected rain for non-potable uses.
- Reduces demand on municipal water systems and the impact on the environment.
- Ideal for regions experiencing drought or water shortages.
Drawbacks:
- Initial setup and installation can be costly. An overall system requires upkeep and cleaning regularly.
Price Range: A simple rainwater harvesting system can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. The price depends on the size of the system and the type of filters it would require.
6. Green Roofs
Green roofs, also known as living roofs, are covered with plants, grasses, or small trees. They help soak up rainwater and decrease the heat in cities. They also provide natural insulation to your house. Green roofs help increase the diversity of plants and animals and can aid in stormwater management.
Benefits:
- Provides natural insulation, saving energy in heating and cooling.
- It enhances air quality and sustains local wildlife.
- Can help make the roof last longer by blocking UV damage.
Disadvantages:
- Needs a strong roof structure to bear the added weight.
- It can be quite labor-intensive, from weeding to irrigation.
Price Range: The installation of a green roof can range from $10 to $25 per square foot. The total cost for an entire home’s roof can range from $5,000 to $20,000. The cost depends on the size and the complexity of the roof.
7. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats enable homeowners to remotely control the temperature of their home using a smartphone app. These devices learn your behavior patterns and adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring that your heating and cooling systems are used efficiently.
Benefits
- Huge Savings in energy bills by optimizing heating and cooling.
- More convenience due to remote control and automation.
- Easy to install with existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and easy to operate.
Disadvantages:
- Needs a stable Wi-Fi connection to work effectively.
- May not be compatible with all older HVAC systems.
Price Range: Smart thermostats are all over the $100–$250 range. Add in professional installation, and it’s another $50–$150.
Wrapping Up
Eco-friendly home improvements are a great way to increase the energy-saving efficiency of your home, while still reducing your carbon footprint. You will also save money in the long run.
