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Tips For Eco-Friendly Home Improvements

Nov 5, 2024

3 min read

Regardless of where you stand on the issue of global warming and rising temperatures, making eco-friendly upgrades to your home can lower your gas and electric bills while also contributing to a healthier planet.


Here are some ways you can make your home more eco-friendly, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact:


1. Improve Insulation and Seal Leaks

  • Why: Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling needs, lowering energy consumption. This also helps reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and other gases that contribute to pollution. Poor insulation can also result in molding as a result of high humidity rates.

  • How: Add insulation to walls, ceilings, and floors. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal leaks around doors and windows.


2. Upgrade Windows and Doors

  • Why: Energy-efficient windows and doors help keep the home’s temperature stable and decrease the reliance on heating and cooling.

  • How: Install double- or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity (low-E) glass, such as Solarban or Sungate options. Choose well-insulated, energy-efficient doors, preferably made from materials like fiberglass, for optimal thermal performance.

3. Use Eco-Friendly Materials

  • Why: Opting for sustainable, non-toxic materials reduces your environmental footprint by using options that are either biodegradable or have low carbon emissions during production.

  • How: Opt for recycled or renewable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, cork, adobe and recycled metal. Look for paints with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).



4. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

  • Why: LEDs lights are emitted through a process called electroluminescence so they use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer.

  • How: Replace incandescent and CFL bulbs with LED bulbs. Use dimmers, timers, and motion sensors to control lighting and reduce usage.

    Full indoor shot of a beautifully designed kitchen. The kitchen features white shaker-style cabinets, accented by a warm, light gray island. The cabinets are uniform, showcasing clean lines and smooth surfaces. A large, stainless steel range/oven with brass accents sits prominently on the counter. The counters are a creamy off-white quartz or marble, a seamless continuation from the hood/range to the island. The large farmhouse-style sink is a crisp white enameled cast iron. The backsplash is a textured, light beige/gray hexagonal tile. The floors are a light, honey-toned oak hardwood. A large window spans a significant portion of the back wall, offering a view of rooftops and possibly other buildings. The ceiling is notable for its decorative, coffered white wood beams framing a white plank ceiling. A pendant light fixture — a clear glass globe—hangs from the ceiling above the island. An up-to-date metallic faucet is installed over the island sink. A stainless steel appliance, like a coffee machine or microwave, is inset into the cabinetry. A stainless-steel range hood sits above the range. The overall style is modern farmhouse, highlighting neutral tones, natural materials, and open space. The LED lighting throughout is bright and even.
    Kitchen with LED Lighting

5. Invest in Solar Panels or Renewable Energy Sources

  • Why: Solar panels provide clean, renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while also decreasing your energy bills.

  • How: Evaluate your roof’s sun exposure and consult with a solar provider about installation options and available incentives. In suitable areas, consider wind turbines—especially in open or hilly landscapes near water—or explore geothermal energy, particularly in the Western states.


6. Install a Smart Thermostat

  • Why: Smart thermostats optimize energy usage by learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures automatically.

  • How: Install a programmable or smart thermostat that lets you monitor and control your heating and cooling from your phone.


7. Water Conservation Measures

  • Why: Reducing water usage conserves this valuable resource, particularly in densely populated states like California, and can also help lower utility bills.

  • How: Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Consider a rainwater harvesting system for outdoor irrigation. Use drought-resistant plants such as aster, beardtongue, lavender and others for landscaping to minimize watering needs.

A picture of a picture lavender plant which is commonly used for water conservation measures
Lavender: A drought resistant plant

8. Upgrade Appliances to Energy-Efficient Models

  • Why: Modern, energy-efficient appliances use less electricity and water.

  • How: Consider upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, including washers, dryers, HVAC systems, and dishwashers. These energy-efficient models meet rigorous standards, using 20% less energy and 30% less water than standard appliances. Replacing older units with these advanced models can help save resources and reduce utility costs.

Energystar certified washer and dryer inside a washroom remodel.

9. Use Sustainable Landscaping

  • Why: Eco-friendly landscaping can reduce water use and improve local biodiversity.

  • How: Plant native species that require less water and maintenance. Use mulch to retain soil moisture, and avoid pesticides. Install drip irrigation to save 50-90% of water.

Yard utilizes drought-friendly species which require less water and keeps plants sustainable through drip irrigation.

10. Install a Graywater Recycling System

  • Why: Graywater systems are implemented inside homes to recycle water from sinks, showers, and washing machines, reducing overall water waste.

  • How: Install a graywater system to direct used water to your garden or lawn. Be sure to check local regulations.


11. Consider Smart Home Technology

  • Why: Smart home devices can automate energy-saving actions and decrease the effort required to save energy.

  • How: Install smart plugs, voice activated power systems, lighting, and sensors that automatically turn off appliances and lights when not in use.

Light-filled, contemporary living space, likely a home theater or media room powered by smart plugs. A wall-mounted flat-screen television displaying a sunset over a tropical beach is the focal point. The image on the television is a vibrant seascape with palm trees fringing a sandy beach, and the colors of the sunset are rich and warm. The wall is a pale, off-white, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Two round wall sconces/lamps, also light-colored, are placed on either side of the television. Beneath the television, a light gray/beige cabinetry unit runs the length of the wall, with four matching cabinets. Recessed rectangular brass/gold-toned handles are noticeable. On the countertop above the cabinetry unit is a simple arrangement. A white ceramic vase holds a small faux plant in green. Other items are a small, dark-colored decorative object, books stacked in front of it, a small potted plant, and a framed photograph or picture on the counter. Natural light streams into the room, casting soft shadows on the cabinets and the countertop. The floor is a light oak or beige hardwood, with the wood grain clearly visible. The room is well-lit and appears meticulously designed.
Living room with appliances connected to smart plug

12. Use Natural Ventilation and Lighting

  • Why: Reducing reliance on HVAC and electric-powered lighting saves energy.

  • How: Add skylights, large windows, brighter paint colors, or a sunroom to increase natural light and ventilation. Plan airflow paths for passive cooling.

Full indoor shot of a spacious bathroom with natural light. The room is bathed in natural light from large windows that offer a view of the outdoors, including trees and a fence/white railing. A large, unique, white, coral-like chandelier hangs from the high ceiling. A freestanding, oval white bathtub, with a gray towel draped over the edge, sits in the center of the room. A small, wooden stool stands beside the tub. The flooring throughout the bathroom is composed of white hexagonal tiles. A light beige/tan area rug with a muted, patterned design covers a portion of the floor. On one side of the room, there are light taupe/brown cabinets with dark bronze/black drawer pulls. A glass-enclosed shower/stall is on the opposite side. The walls are a light neutral color, and crown molding adds detailing, highlighting the architectural elements.
Barhroom features a large window and white color tones to capture natural light.

Key Takeaways for Eco-Friendly Home Improvements

Eco-friendly home improvements can reduce utility costs and environmental impact. Enhancing insulation and sealing leaks, upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors, and choosing sustainable materials like bamboo and low-VOC paints can improve energy efficiency. Switching to LED lighting and installing smart thermostats further cut energy use. For clean energy, consider solar panels, and for water conservation, use low-flow fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping, and graywater recycling systems. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and incorporating smart home tech, like automated plugs and sensors, minimizes consumption. Finally, natural ventilation and lighting through skylights and large windows can lessen reliance on HVAC systems and electric lights, promoting a healthier, more sustainable home.

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