- 7 reads
From simple organizational activities to full-blown renovations, there are many ways to upgrade a living space to make it more valuable. However, doing so with sustainability in mind can be a bit tricky at times.
If you’re a homeowner, here are some home upgrade ideas that simultaneously improve both the value and the eco-friendly nature of your home.
Install a Better Thermostat
One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your home’s value is by installing a modern thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to schedule preset changes in your home environment. For instance, in the winter, you can automatically lower the temperature while you’re at work or sleeping. Smart thermostats take things even further by giving you control over your home’s environment from your smartphone no matter where you are at any given moment.
Updating your thermostat naturally makes your home more eco-friendly, too, as it reduces the amount of fuel that you require to heat and cool your home.
Replace Your Water Fixtures
There are many high-tech water upgrades that you can make to your house. Chief amongst these is replacing your water fixtures.
Simply put, older water fixtures are going to use more water. Getting new faucets and showerheads can significantly reduce the amount of water that you’re using. Their sleek new look can also improve the aesthetics and functionality of two of the most valuable rooms in your home: your kitchen and bathroom.
Get a New Furnace
New HVAC systems are much more efficient than older models and more affordable eco-friendly home upgrades than people expect. They use less fuel and burn it more cleanly. This accomplishes three things:
-
First, it improves your home’s value by providing a newer heating system.
-
Second, it saves you money in the short-term by reducing your fuel consumption.
-
Third, it helps your home operate more sustainably.
Don’t Forget Appliances
Much like a furnace or AC unit, many older appliances in your home are likely worth updating. Everything from old refrigerators to antiquated stoves and ancient washing machines can waste resources and soak up gas and electricity.
By investing in newer models, you can upgrade the functionality of your home, lower your utility bills, and create a more eco-friendly space in one fell swoop.
Add Insulation
While good heating and a quality thermostat are a good start, if your home isn’t well-insulated, it can still create a lot of issues. Drafts can make rooms uncomfortable and excessive fuel can be burned up as either hot or cold air escapes your living space and has to be steadily replaced.
You can address the issue by sealing up your home. Use weatherstripping and caulk to plug gaps in your windows and doors. Then, add insulation in the attic and — if possible — even in the exterior wall cavities of your home. This can go a long way in trapping the air inside, thus requiring your HVAC system to work less in the process. Being able to say that your home has new insulation will only make it more appealing to prospective buyers in the future.
Improve Your Landscaping
Tending to gardens and making your yard look pretty isn’t just fun. It can also have a huge impact on your home’s value. For starters, a well-groomed exterior tremendously boosts a house’s curb appeal.
Things like fences and trees can directly add value to your home. To top it off, planting foliage is always a win for the environment. But there’s more to landscaping than just aesthetics. When you properly grade your landscaping, you aid in irrigating your property and others’, and you protect the foundation of your home.
Replace Lightbulbs
If you’re looking for a quick and easy DIY home value booster, look no further than your lights. Replacing old lightbulbs with LED alternatives is an effective way to increase your home’s worth.
It’s also a great way to reduce the overall energy consumption that goes into lighting your living spaces. LED bulbs use only a fraction of the electricity of traditional bulbs, making them well worth the slightly higher upfront cost. The best part? Installation is practically effortless.
Install New Flooring
If you’re looking for a way to overhaul the look of your home, adding new flooring can make a huge difference. Replacing old, nasty floors with shiny new ones will automatically improve the value of your home.
There are many different green flooring options on the market these days. Bamboo, cork, and even reclaimed wood can be used to bring a sustainable-yet-splashy new look to your home.
Adding Eco-Friendly Value to Your Home
Eco-friendly improvements like those listed above aren’t just good for the environment. They can also add to the value of your home. Some things, like replacing a furnace can increase the value of the house itself. Other things, like upgrading your appliances or adding insulation, can make your residence much more attractive to potential buyers.
While it requires some thought, it’s certainly possible to combine the desire to enhance your living space with your commitment to sustainability. So, consider which of the above options will impact your own space the most. Then it’s time to start laying some plans.
