Budget-Conscious DIY Projects for an Earth-Friendly Home

by Joyce Wilson, Teacherspark.org

If you haven’t heard, turning your home into an environmentally-friendly showplace is not only good for Mother Earth, but it can also save you money as well. The best part is that there are many self-installed updates you can make that won’t break the bank. Here, the environmentally-friendly waterproofing experts at Dendritics, LLC share a few easy ways that you can make your home more eco-friendly.  

GET READY

Before you start making changes, it makes sense to plan ahead. Start by knowing the “energy suckers” throughout your home so that you can strategize which updates and upgrades will have the most positive effect. Something else to remember here is that your home improvements will appeal to buyers, who may be willing to pay a premium to be earth-friendly. Make sure to take before and after pictures and keep receipts of improvements and bills comparing former costs to current costs to present to your realtor when it’s time to put your home on the market.

Invest in Alternative Energy

Switching to solar and wind power for your home are some of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bill while contributing to protecting the environment. Solar energy systems can both generate electricity, as well as hot water, while providing elimination of monthly utility costs. And, once installed, you can add on batteries and controllers to have even more control over your home’s energy. Wind generators are effective in areas that receive sufficient wind over the year. While these energy sources may require a higher up-front cost than traditional electricity, their operational costs are much lower due to lack of fuel requirements. In addition, governments often provide tax credits, rebates or other incentives for individuals who install renewable energy systems. Aside from considerable financial benefits, using renewable sources also reduces your carbon footprint on a larger scale. Switching from fossil fuels to solar and wind is good for our planet’s future!

Install Low-Flow Showerheads

Every time you turn on a faucet, you’re wasting water. You don’t need eight gallons per minute to take a shower, and there are many ways that you can reduce your home’s water consumption. One is to install a low-flow showerhead. This restricts water output to approximately 2.5 gallons per minute. You can also add aerators to your kitchen and bathroom faucets to further minimize the amount of water flowing through your pipes.

You can also add aerators to your kitchen and bathroom faucets to further minimize the amount of water flowing through your pipes. If you’re not comfortable handling plumbing on your own, get quotes from multiple plumbers, and make sure to read reviews online. Many will also save you money by offering credits or rebates for services and fixtures. 

Consider Adding Smart Devices

Smart devices can help you monitor and adjust energy consumption to your needs and budget. There are many different options available, including thermostats, smart irrigators, lights, refrigerators, and Wi-Fi plugs. And make sure that everything that you have plugged in is as energy efficient as possible. You can also save watts by unplugging things you’re not using.

If you have hesitated on adopting smart thermostats because you are afraid of losing control of your temperature settings, wait no longer! There are easy ways to override eco mode when needed. Simply turn off your unit using the Nest app and manually adjust.

Give Your Outdoor Spaces a Green Update

Enjoy your outdoor living space while reducing energy costs by installing an affordable outdoor awning. Total Home reports that an awning can reduce sun glare by up to 77% on west-facing windows and 65% on south-facing windows. This results in lower electric bills and makes your home stand out when you go to sell.

You can also use eco-friendly wood sealants to treat your decks and exposed wood surfaces outdoors. The ends of wood planks and pieces are especially susceptible to water damage, so use Dynaseal End Grain Sealer from Dendritics to protect it from damage, swelling, and rot. This treatment is eco-friendly, water-based, and wax free so you can feel great about the treatment on many levels.

Bolster Your Attic’s Insulation

If your home has an attic, it is probably already insulated, at least to some degree. But, insulation can settle over time and become much less effective. Insulation keeps your home warmer in the winter and more comfortable during the summertime. Be cautious here, however, that you leave plenty of space for your attic to “breathe” as proper ventilation is crucial for keeping moisture out of your home.

Start a Home Garden

Growing your own fruits and vegetables will keep you from driving to the grocery store, and it’s good for the environment as well. Andrew Krosofsky of Green Matters asserts that gardening improves soil quality and can even help reduce the size of your local landfill.

Take Small Steps for Big Environmental Impact

You don’t have to have years of home-improvement experience to improve the efficiency of your home. The small steps listed above, from installing smart devices to reducing water flow while you get ready for work each day, will help you and your family reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and even improve your home’s value.