Ever heard the expression, “time is money?” Well, after reading this article, you’ll know that “energy is money” is a more accurate expression in today’s eco-conscious world.
Saving energy and saving money go hand-in-hand nowadays. If you need a reason to give your house a green makeover, just take a look at how much you’re paying for heat, cooling, water, and energy—it’s never too late to give your home and your life a sustainable restart.
Here are five home renovations that will save you money and energy.
#1 Get funded
The first thing to do before making any permanent changes is to research the types of assistance out there that can make your green journey easier and more affordable.
Some of your options include:
- PACE financing – If you live in a state that offers PACE (property assessed clean energy) financing, you may be able to receive upfront payments to help pay for eco-friendly renovations.
- Grants – Businesses like Home Depot and Green Communities have housing programs that will award you money for costly eco-friendly renovations. Your eligibility depends on the type of project you’re pursuing, but it’s always worth checking out.
- Income Tax Credit – You may also be eligible for federal tax credits for installing renewable energy technology (such as solar, wind, or geothermal) in your home. This way, you can claim these expenses on your tax form and qualify for a deduction on your income tax!
#2 Install better windows
Much of your home’s energy usage actually stems from your window quality. This means that when heat escapes through your windows, so does your cash.
Upgrading the quality of your windows means that the precious air delivered to your home through your heating or cooling system is less likely to be wasted. Not only that, but eco-friendly windows offer hurricane protection, better insulation, and all-around better security to your home.
You’ll save money on your utility bills and on storm insurance. Not to mention, upgrading your windows raises the value of your home, saving you money for when you choose to sell it.
#3 Switch to solar panels
This is probably the tip that everyone thinks of when they think “eco-friendly.” However, it’s important to do your research and choose the option that works best for you.
Solar panels are widely used by both businesses and homeowners to harness energy in a renewable way and save big on utility costs. By installing these panels on the roof of your home, you harness the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity to power your day-to-day life.
Some folks can even make extra cash on top of energy bill savings by selling their reserve electricity back to the grid.
Can you say, win-win, or what?
#4 Monitor your energy consumption
It can be hard to carry out a green makeover if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, technological innovation has provided us with several ways to track our homes’ energy consumption:
- Get a smart meter – Chances are that your power company has already made the switch to smart meter systems, which monitor your energy use and report their findings back to you. But if not, ask for this upgrade to figure out exactly where and how you can cut down and spend less.
- Get smart plugs – How convenient would it be if all your devices magically unplugged themselves when you weren’t using them? Well, with smart plugs, you can do exactly that—program your plug to follow a specific consumption schedule and watch the savings roll in.
#5 Change your lifestyle
It’s not just your home that contributes to your carbon footprint—it’s also your own individual behaviors and habits.
Here are some easy changes you can make today:
- Use less energy – There are countless ways to do this that don’t break the bank. For example, it can be as simple as remembering to turn the lights off when you leave the room or turning your dishwasher to the “cold” setting.
- Use less water – Remember: there’s no need to have that faucet on while you’re brushing your teeth! For this tip, you can go as simple as taking showers instead of baths, or as far as installing eco-friendly showerheads and sprinklers to conserve water.
Save the Earth, Save Your Wallet
The idea of making eco-friendly renovations to your home can seem like a financially daunting task. However, it’s important to remember that these changes will actually save you money in the long run.
With these five tips, you’re well on your way to saving the planet and saving money at the same time.
