Do you want to make your house safer for the environment? In that case, you’ll need to focus on sustainable home improvements for a greener future. 

But how do you do that? For instance, you have to select a greener design for your home and choose innovative technologies that promote energy efficiency. Moreover, you must live a zero-waste life, use solar panels, and focus on waste management techniques. You can also create well-planned facilities in your residence that reduce environmental impact.

However, most homeowners shy away from such solutions because they consider sustainability to be expensive. Reports suggest that 52% of consumers avoid sustainable lifestyles because of the rising costs of environmentally safer alternatives. That’s why you’ll need options that offer the same benefits at an affordable price. 

In this blog, we will discuss three such sustainable home improvements on a budget.

#1. Focus on Insulating Your Roof

The Department of Energy states that proper insulation in your homes can reduce air leakage and improve heating systems. As a result, it can lower your energy bills and make them more affordable by minimizing heat loss during the winter and summer months. On average, home insulation costs around USD 1.50 to USD 5.00 per square foot, depending on the type and location. 

You can start by insulating your garage, attic, walls, and windows. Similarly, roof insulation would be best for you if your home loses heat very easily. For instance, you can install residential insulated roof panels, rigid foam board insulation systems, or spray foam for the best results. The overall cost of roof insulation can be between USD 1,500 and USD 4,500.

Once installed, all these will help with energy efficiency, improve your home’s atmosphere, and lower your utility bills. Do you want to know more? Then, you can visit here to learn more about residential roofing services. You’ll get to learn how environmentally friendly roof upgrades can promote comfortable living year-round.

To get the best results, you’ll need a reputed and licensed company in your locality. According to Peak Builders & Roofers of San Diego, homeowners will need contractors to assess the roof structures to determine the exact process of insulation. Based on your home’s location, they’ll inspect your roof’s integrity to determine whether you’ll need rigid, non-rigid, or sprayed polyurethane foam boards.

But how can you find the right contractors for roof insulation? For that, you need to look for general qualities like overall experience, reliability, standard of insulation systems, and professionalism. You should also compare a few companies in your locality to select a service provider best suited to your budget. 

#2. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances

Every 10 to 15 years, you are compelled to replace your home appliances and buy new ones. But when looking for upgrades for your kitchen, attic, bathroom, living room, and bedroom, remember to prioritize energy efficiency. 

A report by GreenPrint says that most consumers want to buy eco-friendly products. However, they aren’t aware of the ways to identify these appliances.

That’s why you should look for appliances with an Energy Star certification. These types of products contribute to lower energy bill generation and promote sustainability in your home. Embracing these efficient appliances will be a straightforward solution that benefits your finances and the environment.

Check whether your refrigerator, ceiling fans, dryers, air cleaners, dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are Energy Star certified. If not, it would be best to exchange them for certified alternatives. You can also promote sustainability in your home by using LED or solar-powered bulbs, proper ventilation systems, heat pumps, etc. 

Let’s say you installed a smart thermostat system. Statistics suggest that these can reduce your annual cooling and heating costs by 10%. The best part is that it only costs, on average, USD 100. 

#3. Plant a Garden

Reports suggest that 15% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 love gardening. According to Statista, when 49,514 people were surveyed, 26% of respondents stated that they consider gardening a hobby. But did you know that this innocent habit can also make your home sustainable?

Many believe that gardens are the best thing that could happen to your home if you’re looking for eco-friendly improvements. Reports have proven that landscaping can reduce habitat degradation, mitigate carbon emissions, and contribute to sustainability. That’s because plants are natural air conditioners and cleaning agents. 

On average, you can expect to pay between USD 50 and USD 175 for garden maintenance. Moreover, starting a 10-foot-by-10-foot garden can cost you USD 300, including the costs of gardening tools, soil fertilization, and buying seeds.

Both outdoor and indoor gardening can offer notable benefits to your property. These include the following:

• Home’s Property Value: Strategic gardens can add significant value to your house. It can increase curb appeal and improve air quality by focusing on biodiversity.
• Bee Population: Your home will promote a healthy ecosystem when your pollinator-friendly flowers and plants attract bees. The landscape can easily provide a notable habitat for these insects. 
• Sustainable Benefits: Plants can improve your property’s soil health and reduce erosion. Moreover, they can absorb pollutants and promote cleaner and fresher air in your surrounding areas.

The best part is that you’ll have fresh produce at home. That means you don’t have to spend money on fruits, vegetables, or herbs anymore. For instance, you can grow tomatoes, peas, carrots, basil leaves, etc., at home.

In summary, having eco-friendly features in your home can save you a lot of money in the long run. Even so, the initial costs might make you think otherwise. That’s why you can start with budget-friendly options to make your home sustainable. 

As mentioned in the blog, you can plant a garden to promote personal health, reduce erosion, and give back to nature. Similarly, you can buy energy-efficient appliances like LED bulbs, solar fans, a thermostat, etc. Focusing on roof insulation can also help you save on your energy bills. 

All these will help promote sustainability in your home without burning a hole in your pocket.

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