If you’ve ever looked into how to make your property more eco-friendly and sustainable, you’ll know how expensive it can be. From multi-array solar systems and heat pump upgrades that can cost upwards of $15,000, making the switch can be expensive. But improving your home’s green rating doesn’t need to cost the earth. Here are some DIY projects you can do to save money and help the environment at the same time.
Starting Small with Smart Lighting
The smart bulb is the latest lighting trend making the rounds. Not only do they use at least 75% less energy than traditional CFL bulbs, but with smart technology, you can reduce your consumption even further. By connecting directly to the smart bulbs in your home, you can set on/off schedules for your bulbs, so you don’t have to worry about lights burning through the night or while you are at work. Because of this, these bulbs also last longer, use less electricity and reduce your overall power bill. A win-win for homeowners.
Stop Spending a Fortune on Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling homes contributes to a massive portion of your monthly power bill. With a smart thermostat installed, you can save on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint all at once. Smart thermostats help you regulate the temperatures inside your home, whether you are there or not. By scheduling your AC to turn off while you are at work or on holiday, you can reduce your power draw. They are also super easy to install. Most reputable manufacturers have an easy-to-follow guide on how to wire your thermostat, like this one, to help you in the process.
Drafts Be Gone
There is nothing worse than a sneaky, cold draft coming into your home to send chills up your spine. With a simple installation of a draft stopper, or weatherstripping, you can stop that cold air from getting in (and the cold air from getting out in the heat of summer), so you can spend less money powering your AC and heaters.
Improve Your Insulation
Since we are covering heating and cooling, did you know that houses can lose up to 25% of their heat through their attics? Adding a layer of insulation to your attic is therefore one of the easiest ways to reduce your heating and cooling costs. Spray-foam insulation is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply, making it an ideal weekend project that won’t break the bank.
Growing a More Sustainable Future
Once the inside of your home has had some TLC, it’s time to turn to your outdoor space. Whether you have a small, paved terrace or a sprawling lawn, you too can grow your own vegetables. Container gardens are a great solution for homes that are surrounded by concrete, as you don’t need any open soil to get going. Focus on seasonal plants to reduce any reliance on supplemental light or heating needs and take special care when choosing what containers to use. Remember that the bigger it is, the more water it will retain, and the better the plants will do.
Reduce Your Kitchen Waste and Help Your Plants Thrive
While on the topic of gardening, another great DIY home project that can help boost your sustainability is composting. Composting offers an eco-friendly way for homeowners to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It also helps give gardens a much-needed boost without the need for expensive and often harmful fertilizers. The two main options for home composting are vermicomposting and backyard composting. Do your research to find out which would be better for your home.
Make Careful Upgrade Choices
Aside from projects that can help your home reduce its carbon emissions, there are other ways you can make your home more eco-friendly. For example, when one of your main appliances needs to be replaced, choose an upgrade that is more energy efficient. Be sure to get clued up on energy guide labels, a requirement by the federal government, so you can pick the right replacement for your needs.
Making eco-conscious decisions can have a major impact on both your home’s carbon footprint and your wallet. Small changes add up, so why not start small with these easy DIY projects that can help you be more sustainable?
