Sustainability has become something of a buzzword recently, but for good reason. With the huge surge in power demand threatening our natural resources, and the rising cost of living, many people have started to look towards their own lifestyles to try and alleviate some of the pressure on the planet and their wallets. If you are looking to save some money while also making your home more eco-friendly, here are some of the green upgrades you can make.
First Though, Why Go Green?
Did you know that with just a few green updates to a property, the average home buyer is willing to pay up to $50,000 more compared to an identical home that isn’t considered “eco-friendly”? Thanks to the energy crisis, and the focus on sustainable living, realtors have seen a huge rise in the number of people prioritizing a home’s green rating over traditional aspects. This is great news for homeowners looking for ways to reduce their monthly spend while also future proofing their homes for sale.
Embracing Solar Power
Solar power is probably the first home upgrade homeowners think of when they are looking into making their homes ecofriendly and sustainable. And, thanks to the government’s drive to make the technology more affordable, this option is now in the reach of more property owners than ever before. There are various things you need to consider before you sign any installation contracts, so remember to do your research and consult with solar experts before you put in your first panel to avoid complications in the future.
Homes Getting Smarter
If your budget isn’t big enough to go fully off-grid with solar, there are some smaller changes you can make. Smart home technology has advanced in leaps and bounds in the past decade, bringing them into the realm of affordable at last. But, while there are some great smart upgrades, there are some that are not worth the “smart” label.
Here are some of the most impactful smart devices you should consider.
Smart Thermostat – Saving Money One Degree at a Time
One of the most impactful smart upgrades you can implement is a smart thermostat. These devices help to reduce your power usage by making adjustments to your home’s heating and cooling on the fly. Many of the top smart thermostats also come with downloadable apps so you can log into your device and change it remotely. No more coming home to a cold house on a winter’s night. When exploring your options, aim to find an easy-install smart thermostat from a reputable brand to reduce your installation costs and start your journey to sustainability quickly and without stress.
Smart Light Bulbs – Lighting the Way to a Greener Future
If you’re looking into sustainable upgrades for your home, you probably already know that LEDs are an easy and inexpensive way to save on your electricity each month. But did you know that these bulbs now have a smart equivalent that can reduce your spend even further? Just like you can program on/off schedules for your smart thermostat, you can now do the same with your lights. These bulbs can be programmed to turn off automatically when you are away at work, asleep, or on holiday. If you are one of those people whose morning rush normally results in bathroom bulbs burning brightly all day, this upgrade is for you.
Smart Water Meters – Stop Pouring Your Money Down the Drain
As well as power issues, one of the other major issues affecting homeowners revolves around another essential: water. That’s where smart meters come in. By tracking your entire home’s water usage, homeowners will have a better idea of what their monthly invoice will be before it ever arrives and can also detect leaks in their system before they rack up a massive bill. This oversight also gives sustainably minded homeowners better insight into their usage, allowing them to make changes that could prevent wastage.
One of the best ways people have found to save on their monthly bills has been to invest in eco-friendly technology and upgrades. These not only make their property more sustainable and valuable to future buyers but also give them access to tax credits and incentives for making the switch. So, start your journey to sustainability, and savings, today.
Recent Comments