CHARLESGATE Blog

Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades That Won’t Break the Bank

Written by Michael DiMella | Jul 18, 2015 4:00:00 AM

At the start, making eco-friendly improvements to a home may seem like a major undertaking. But there are many more ways to make a home eco-friendly than installing expensive solar panels or building a home from the ground up with green materials. There are eco-friendly options out there that can fit almost any budget. Here’s how to get started:

Appliances

The outdated appliances in your home might be slowly draining your wallet by way of your energy bills. Replacing an old refrigerator with a new energy-efficient model can save homeowners up to $200 annually on energy bills, according to the Department of Energy. Check out the Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator to see how much you could save. ENERGY STAR-rated dishwashers use between 50 and 75 percent less energy than older models, and newer dishwashers require less water. Homeowners can also save money and energy in the laundry room by installing front-loading washers. These types of eco-friendly washing machines only cost around $20 each year to operate, and homeowners can lower energy consumption by using the cold cycle. Check out https://productspy.co.uk/best-combination-microwave-reviews/ and buy the products which will reduce your energy bills.

Windows

The U.S. Department of Energy has reported that most homes have drafts and air leaks that add up to as much energy loss as leaving a window open for an entire year. This isn’t a big problem for new homes, but older homes can be at risk. The most common trouble areas can be found around the home’s doors and residential window replacement.

By having new energy-efficient windows installed, homeowners can not only make their homes more eco-friendly, they can also save money on their energy bills. Champion Home Exteriors’ Comfort 365 Windows are backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal Guarantee and all of their windows are thermal tested to meet the National Fenestration Rating Council’s standards. The glass is proven to keep a home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and all of the windows come with a lifetime warranty. Being able to Renew energy is a great deal now due to the intense downfall of the environmental condition. It is good personally as it is pocket-friendly and good for the environment as it helps preserve it. If you ever need to fix up a window fast then contact these Commercial glass repair service company for their professional assistance.

Thermostats

Homeowners can save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling annually by adjusting the thermostat and turning it down seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for just eight hours a day. Unfortunately, most owners don’t have time to meticulously monitor a thermostat every day, but programmable thermostats can be the simple solution. Programmable models can save multiple temperature settings. Energy.gov recommends installing the programmable thermostat in an area of the home that is not exposed to direct sunlight, drafts, skylights, or doorways; if located in these areas, the thermostat may not function properly.

Landscaping

Many homeowners look to the interior of their homes to make eco-friendly improvements. However, the outside of the home and the yard should not be ignored. Planting deciduous trees on the eastern and western sides of a home can help owners save money on energy bills. During hot summer months, the trees can help to cool the home naturally by reducing the amount of sunlight that hits the house. During the winter, the trees will lose their leaves and allow more sunlight to pass through the windows, generating more natural heat. Additionally, evergreen trees that are planted on both the north and northwest sides of a home act as a shield to protect the house from harsh winter winds.