As the world continues to grapple with climate change and the effects of global warming, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Your home can be the right place to start from. When it comes to making a more eco-friendly home and maintaining a building more efficiently overall, we often think about big projects – like installing solar panels – that can be costly and time-consuming. Still, there are plenty of small changes we can make that can have a big impact not only on the environment and our wallets but also on the quality of our lives.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your living space or just want to ensure your home is running as efficiently as possible, there are plenty of simple hacks that can help you make your home more sustainable.
7 Hacks to Maintain an Eco-Friendly Home
From energy-efficient lighting and appliances to eco-friendly building materials, as well as addressing important aspects like Water Damage Restoration, below are some great tips for making your home more eco-friendly and helping you save money in the process.
1. Switch to Homemade Cleaning Products
One of the easiest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to ditch toxic cleaning products and switch to natural alternatives. Not only are homemade cleaning products better for the environment, but they’re also often cheaper to make and just as effective as their store-bought counterparts.
There are plenty of recipes available online for DIY cleaning solutions that you can use for a variety of householding chores – from cleaning your floors to disinfecting your countertops. These recipes typically call for common household ingredients, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, so you likely already have everything you need to get started.
2. Let in Some Natural Light
Taking advantage of natural light is a great way to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting, which can account for a significant portion of your home’s energy usage. In addition to saving energy, letting in natural light can also help improve your mood and overall well-being.
One easy way to let the daylight flood the interior is to simply open your curtains or blinds during the day. However, you could also go the extra mile and install skylights or solar tubes, which are special fixtures that funnel sunlight into your home. These can be especially beneficial in rooms that don’t have a lot of windows, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
3. Enhancing Your Lawn
Proper lawn care is vital for maintaining a healthy outdoor space. A well-manicured lawn starts with regular mowing. Keep your grass at the appropriate height to promote healthy growth. Address any bad boy mowers issues promptly, ensuring that your mowing equipment is in good working condition.
Efficient watering is essential for a thriving lawn. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Consider using a sprinkler system with smart technology to optimize water usage and prevent water waste.
Consider aeration and dethatching to improve soil health and grass growth. By implementing these practices, you can enjoy a vibrant, well-maintained lawn that enhances the beauty of your outdoor environment.
4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
If you’re not taking advantage of natural light as much as you could be, then upgrading to energy-efficient lighting is another excellent way to reduce your home’s energy usage.
There are a few different types of energy-efficient lighting available, including LED and CFL bulbs. These bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can last for many years, so they’ll save you money in the long run.
When shopping for energy-efficient lighting, look for bulbs with the ENERGY STAR label. This label indicates that the product meets strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
5. Use Eco-Friendly Building Materials
When it comes time to make improvements or repairs to your home, using eco-friendly building materials is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.
Many sustainable building materials are available on the market today, including bamboo, recycled glass, and cork. These are often just as strong and durable as traditional materials but are much better for the environment.
If you’re not ready to commit to using eco-friendly materials for your entire home, you can start by incorporating them into smaller projects – e.g., updating your flooring or kitchen backsplash. Every little bit helps!
6. Install a Smart Thermostat
If you want to reduce your home’s energy usage even further, consider installing a programmable thermostat. A smart thermostat allows you to automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule, so you’re not wasting energy when you’re not home.
Many newer thermostats can even be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet, which is convenient if you ever forget to set the temperature before leaving home.
7. Seal Air Leaks
One often-overlooked way to make your home more energy-efficient is to seal any air leaks. These are gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior that allow heat or cool air to escape, making your HVAC system work harder and use more energy.
There are a few different ways to identify air leaks in your home. To perform this task, all you need is to hold a piece of paper up to the suspected leak. If the paper moves, then you likely have an air leak.
Once you’ve identified all of the air leaks in your home, you can seal them using caulk, weatherstripping, or another type of sealant.
Conclusion
Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be a daunting or expensive task. You can make plenty of small changes that will have a significant impact on your energy consumption at home and, thus, on the environment.
This article has provided some great tips for making your home more sustainable, from energy-efficient lighting and homemade cleaners to eco-friendly building materials. So, what are you waiting for? Start making some changes today!