In the course of your lifetime, a home is one of the most significant purchases that you will ever make. It’s where much of your money will go for many years after you make the initial purchase. In addition to the financial commitment, your home will need to be kept up, and maintaining a home can be a major job. If you rent your property out and need help making such upgrades, a property manager can be a great asset to you in the process.
If you are worried about the impact your home will have on the environment, then you should take an additional step and consider what changes you can make around your home to save energy, increase your home’s efficiency, and to conserve water.
Here are some of the upgrades that you can make to your property that will be good for the environment.
Window Maintenance
Depending on the age and status of your windows, you might be losing heat or cool air through them. If this is happening, it means that your heating or cooling system needs to work harder to get the temperature of your home right, wasting unnecessary energy.
One way that you could improve the efficiency of your heating system is by carrying out some repairs to your windows. Caulking your windows and applying certain window treatments is a simple way to keep your home’s temperature stable. In the winter, you could also use heavy drapes that help keep the heat in the room.
Install Faucet Aerators
Conserving water is important, and an easy way to do it is by fitting faucet aerators. These are inexpensive plumbing parts that screw onto the end of most faucets and won’t compromise your water pressure.
These can help to reduce your home’s water consumption by half in most cases. They are easy to install, and there is no need to call a plumber for help.
Use Mis-Tints or Recycled Paint
Many paint retailers will have mis-tints or returned paints in store. Often, these will be thrown out if they are not used, so they are sold for a reduced price.
By buying these paints and using them in your own home, you will be saving paint that would have otherwise been destined for a landfill, ultimately damaging the environment. You might be surprised at the selection of colors that have been thrown out, and there will be no doubt about the quality. They will have only been rejected because the original buyer didn’t like how the paint turned out.
Ask in your local hardware store whether they have any mis-tints or returned paint that they need to sell.
Think About Your Unused Spaces
If there are rooms of your home that you don’t use often, make sure that you close any vents and doors in those areas. This will help you to keep the cool or warm air concentrated and make your home more energy efficient.
You should completely turn off any heating or air conditioning to these rooms, if possible. Not only will this help to reduce your impact on the environment, but it will also save you money.
Use Pre-Owned Items
When it comes to furnishing your home, one of the best ways that you can serve the environment is by using pre-owned items. You could use anything from cabinets to furniture to your kitchen sink. You could even recycle flooring, lighting, and so much more. Almost everything you need for your home can be recycled.
Check out local groups to find items that people are giving away, or check reclamation yards and second-hand stores. If something needs some updating, restore it or paint it to give it new life. Not only will using pre-owned items help to reduce your environmental impact, but it will save you a lot of money, too.
Opt for A Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater will save you money thanks to its intentional energy efficiency. A tankless water heater works by heating water on demand instead of storing it. That way, you only ever heat the water that you use, saving you energy and money. Not only are tankless water heaters great for the environment, but they will also last twice as long as a regular heater in many cases.
Use A Gas Fireplace
If you are in the market for a fireplace, you should consider opting for a gas alternative. These use little energy to run and are inexpensive, relatively speaking. If you compare a gas fireplace to a wood-burning option, you’ll find that there is less indoor and outdoor pollution because no smoke is produced.
When making any changes around your home, you should consider the environmental impact of the maintenance that you carry out. This is not only going to make your lifestyle more eco friendly, but it can also benefit you financially. There are lots of great ways to save energy and make your home more efficient—a goal that we should all have.
