6 Home Improvement Ideas to Make Your Houses Sustainable

1. 6 Home Improvement Ideas to Make Your Houses Sustainable The climate crisis has become a challenging issue in today’s time, urging countries to take action on a global level. Given the climate change crisis, homeowners are inclined toward making their houses eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Sustainable houses lead to lowering carbon footprint, and selecting the right project can reduce costs through tax credits. Many eco-friendly options, such as screened- in porches to heated flooring, can reduce long-term utility costs, promote well-being and sustainable living for your family, and conserve the planet’s depleting resources. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability has become a popular topic among homeowners, as they reevaluated their needs and focused on building sustainable home features with a space that prioritizes comfort and functionality over style. As such, energy-efficient enhancements have

2. increased the property value by 10%. Investing in sustainable upgrades can boost property value and yield substantial results if you plan to sell or rent out your property. If you’re planning to make your house sustainable, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll share a few home improvement ideas to make your living spaces more sustainable: 1. Install Screened-In Porches A screened-in porch offers weather protection from various climates and other natural elements. It’s the perfect way to merge outdoor and indoor living. On top of that, it’s highly sustainable since it allows natural ventilation and minimizes cooling system costs. You can try various screened in porch ideas to add functionality and fun to this space, such as a daybed, hammock, etc. While transforming the porch into a functional space, consider the right furniture, fixtures, and ambiance that match your taste and lifestyle. Likewise, experiment with mixing and matching different colors, styles, and textures to create a relaxing indoor space. According to statistics, setting up a screened-in porch enhances the house’s curb appeal and has an estimated ROI of 75%. The doors and windows allow natural air circulation and reduce independence on air-conditioning systems. Plus, screened-in porches are perfect places to host tea parties, build a fireplace, or enjoy your favorite book curled up on the daybed. 2. Solar Panels Installation Since solar is a renewable and green energy, installing solar panels can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and electricity costs. Many utility companies and government rebates offer incentives and credits to individuals who install solar panels. Upgrading to solar panels allows you to earn credits through net metering, as the excess electricity collected from your panels can go to the utility companies, netting you a credit. In some areas, this may even make you eligible to receive payments for the energy your panels generate. When installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, set them on a roof or wall facing south. PV does not have to face direct sunlight, so you can still generate electricity even when it’s cloudy. 3. Energy-Efficient Lighting

3. Lighting consumes a significant amount of energy in our homes. Consider switching to LED lights, as they conserve energy, have a longer lifespan, and reduce your energy consumption by 75%. Utilize energy-efficient lighting strategies to maximize energy savings in your home. Strategically position your windows and skylights in key locations of your house to incorporate natural light sources. Adopt task lighting for increased illumination. Adjust the lighting levels with dimmer switches and motion sensors based on occupancy and preference. Installing energy-efficient lighting allows you to manage and secure lighting according to your preference for maximum energy conservation. Updating to energy-efficient lighting can increase the marketability of your house by 80%. It also aligns with the sustainable living trend, attracting environmentally conscious buyers. 4. Plant a Garden Gardening offers multiple benefits to the environment and your health and well-being. Plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants. In return, they provide fresh air and clean oxygen. You can create a garden in your front yard, backyard, or even inside the kitchen. Get your kids involved in planting the garden and aware them of the cruciality of healthy eating and sustainable living. Moreover, pollinator-friendly plants can attract pollinators like bees to run a balanced ecosystem, providing a habitat for insects experiencing habitat losses. A well-designed garden can enhance your house’s curb appeal, improve air quality, and encourage biodiversity. Gardens are incredible at lowering anxiety, reducing stress, and relieving muscle tension. Lastly, growing your food in the garden can also provide enriching, healthy ingredients, reducing your intake of unsustainable food choices. 5. Eco-Friendly Flooring Natural linoleum, green bamboo, and sustainable wood are a few options when considering eco- friendly flooring in your humble abode. Alongside offering sustainable alternatives to flooring, these options are immensely popular among eco-conscious individuals. Most of them are biodegradable, stain and heat-resistant, and absorb water. While redoing the flooring in your house, ensure to utilize repurposed and reclaimed materials to reduce your impact on deforestation further. Such practices are instrumental to preserving our planet and the ecosystem.

4. 6. Upgrade to Eco-friendly Paint One of the economical ways to make your house sustainable is to give the ceiling and walls a new coat of paint. However, avoid painting your house with traditional paint containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These paints contain harmful chemicals, causing nausea and respiratory problems for the residents, and carcinogens that can potentially damage your nervous system and other organs. So, if you’re planning on a home improvement project that involves paint, do a background check before buying a gallon of paint to choose a product that contains low or zero VOC paint. Wisely choosing home improvement products and supplies is crucial to maintaining your health and that of the planet. Conclusion Alongside various home remodeling trends, sustainable upgrades are gaining popularity and offer several benefits. From boosting your property’s value to positively affecting your health, sustainable home improvement ideas yield fruitful results. Installing energy-efficient home improvements yields higher ROIs and positively impacts the environment. By embracing energy efficiency, you can enjoy a reduction in utility bills. To ensure sustainable living, you can get screened-in porches, opt for eco- friendly flooring, plant a garden, install solar panels, etc. While most homeowners hesitate to embrace sustainable living practices due to installation cost issues, the return on investment is enough to convince them.