Eco-Friendly Home Improvement: Efficiency Upgrades for Your Living Space
Did you ever sketch your perfect house or use the Sims game to build it? Unfortunately, many working adults struggle to afford homes due to rising costs and stagnant wages. Budgeting for everyday expenses has become a constant source of stress. In 2022, residential electric bills increased 13% from $121 to $137. After adjusting for inflation, that is a 5% increase. How can homeowners and renters effectively reduce their monthly utility expenses? Here is a list of home improvement ideas that make your home more affordable and efficient.
Options for large- and medium-scale projects
ENERGY STAR lists the following as high-impact, energy efficiency improvements:
installing an ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC heat pump,
switching to a high-efficiency water heater with heat pump technology,
installing a smart thermostat,
sealing air leaks and adding adequate home insulation, and
replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified windows.
According to a 2020 report, energy costs for low-income households are persistently high among minorities, those with children, and elderly residents. Are these upgrades possible for those struggling to make ends meet? They can be. Programs offered by local utilities, retail energy suppliers, and state and local governments provide subsidies for many of these improvements. For instance, Rochester Public Utilities in Minnesota offers $50-100 rebates for smart thermostats. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission performs home energy inspections and safety checks for eligible residents. Free services may include:
replacement of natural gas furnaces and water heaters,
attic and sidewall insulation,
air sealing,
and safety checks on natural gas appliances.
Check out the North Carolina State University Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency® (DSIRE) to find programs in your state.
Finally, household water usage costs have also been increasing each year. Installing a greywater system for your home can save you money on water bills. A Greywater system collects water from laundry or showers and filters it for use in landscaping.
Small-scale energy-efficient projects
Even minor improvements can reduce utility bills. For those unable to undertake large projects, temporary and less expensive measures are available. Below are several options to consider for your home.
Water fixtures
One way to reduce household water consumption is by upgrading fixtures. Low-flow alternatives maintain water pressure and use less water. Products bearing the WaterSense label meet the Environmental Protection Agency specifications for water efficiency and performance. Cleaning and replacing faucet aerators can reduce water usage and costs less than $10. Depending on local regulations, consider installing rain barrels. Use it to water plants or for washing outdoor surfaces.
HVAC filters
A well-maintained HVAC system improves indoor air quality and operates more efficiently. Dirty filters can damage HVAC systems, as the equipment runs harder to achieve standard performance. This results in excess energy consumption. Although many commonly available air filters utilize synthetic plastics, more eco-friendly varieties are increasingly available. Pure Green by Nordic Pure is manufactured using recycled pop bottles and recycled paper products.
Smart (and analog) accessories
Smart thermostats are not the only energy-efficient tech available. A significant benefit to smart plugs and power strips is that they can drastically reduce “vampire energy usage.” The U.S. Department of Energy defines energy vampires as appliances that continue to draw power from electrical outlets, even when turned off or idle. Common culprits include video game consoles, laptop chargers, televisions, and devices that turn on via remote control. Smart power strips can remotely manage usage, follow set schedules, and automatically cut off power when devices are inactive. Analog outlet timers also exist and are frequently used with plant grow lamps. Smart water detectors send leak alerts to your phone.
Lighting
Light-emitting diode (LED) products have evolved past the bright white light bulbs available a decade ago. From dimmable to color changing and from varying bulb sizes to strips, switching to LED lighting is easy. LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Opting for solar-powered outdoor lighting is much easier these days, too. Solar lights can provide an inviting ambiance while saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint without needing to wire into your home.
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Reducing monthly expenses is possible while having a positive environmental impact. Whether a homeowner or a renter, there are eco-friendly home improvement options available that can lower utility costs and contribute to a more sustainable living space. Utilizing subsidies and rebates to adopt energy-saving practices can create a more affordable and efficient home. Remember, even modest changes can make a big difference, so start today!
Sources
U.S. residential electricity bills increased 5% in 2022, after adjusting for inflation (Web Page)
Energy Star Home Upgrade (Web Page)
Low Income Energy Affordability: Conclusions from Literature Review (PDF)
Conserve & Save® Rebates (Web Page)
Home Energy Efficiency Services (Web Page)
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® (Web Page)
WaterSense (Web Page)
How to Stop Energy Vampires from Attacking Your Home (Web Page)
LED Lighting (Web Page)
