At the start of the New Year, many of us consider how to better ourselves. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on eco-friendly living. Developing New Year’s resolutions for your home can not only improve your living space, but it will also help the environment.
Ensure Your Home is Well Insulated
The best way to save on energy costs is to ensure your home is well-insulated. With improved insulation, you can save money on energy bills and create a healthier home, reducing draft.
Take your eco-friendly living one step further and choose to insulate using wool and wood fiber rather than conventional foam board.
Upgrade to Energy Efficient Windows
Another great way to save energy and keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter is to upgrade to energy efficient windows. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25-30% of heating and cooling energy is lost through our windows.
Brighten up your home with energy efficient windows.
Use Non-Toxic Paints
Almost any home remodel will involve painting. Whether you’re building a new home addition, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom or just giving your hallway a new coat of paint, choose non-toxic eco-friendly paints that brighten your home. Using non-toxic paints is a simple, yet beneficial New Year’s resolution that will go a long way toward a cleaner planet.
Make Use of Solar Power
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more people knew how efficient it is to source energy from the sun? Solar power is a reality that a growing number of homes are starting to incorporate. Whether you’re ready to put solar panels on your roof, or simply upgrade to a solar-powered refrigerator, there are eco-friendly living fundamentals that anyone can live by.
Choose Eco-Friendly Flooring
There are plenty of eco-friendly flooring options out there, many of which offer a higher quality, more durable solution than typical flooring materials. Bamboo, hardwood and stone are all eco-friendly choices that will look beautiful in any home.
Hardwood and stone are beautiful eco-friendly building materials.
Remodel Your Kitchen with Recycled Countertops
One way to make your remodel eco-friendly is to use recycled materials. Recycled tiles, mosaics and countertops can look stunning. Mix and match with antique and pre-loved furniture for a unique, eclectic look.
Choose a Water-Saving Shower and Toilet
This eco-friendly New Year’s resolution can reduce your water waste and keep money in your pocket. We can help you choose the best water-saving shower head and toilet for your home.
Water saving toilets and showers can also help you save money on bills.
Trees, Green Roofs and Living Walls
If you’re lucky enough to have trees in your yard, take care to nurture them, and if you have plenty of outdoor space, consider planting more. According to the European Environment Agency, a single tree can turn 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide into oxygen over a single year. If you don’t have space for a garden, make your home greener by growing a green roof or creating living walls.
Use Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology has many benefits, some of which can help you meet your eco-friendly living goals. Smart home technology can help you monitor energy use, ensure lights are turned off when rooms are not in use and is the key to many other eco-friendly solutions.
Ready to remodel and uphold your New Year’s resolutions? Contact Reliable Home Improvement today.