sustainable living

7 Tips for Creating a More Sustainable Home

If you aim to live a more sustainable lifestyle, you can implement various modifications and upgrades in your Vermont home to make it more eco-friendly. Apart from reducing your energy expenses, some changes can also add value to your Vermont property.

1. Switch Out Light Bulbs

Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving LED or CFL bulbs that consume less energy and have a longer lifespan.

2. Install a Smart Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help regulate the temperature in your home and reduce energy consumption by adjusting heating and cooling settings based on your schedule and preferences.

3. Use Natural Cleaning Products

Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and your health. Opt for natural and eco-friendly cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Eco-friendly paint also will help to reduce the release of toxins that pollute air pollution.

4. Reduce Water Waste

Fix leaks, install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, and consider using a rain barrel to collect rainwater for outdoor water.

5. Switch to Renewable Energy Sources

Consider installing solar panels or wind turbines to power your home with renewable energy sources. Alternatively, you can enroll in a green energy program offered by your utility company.

6. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

When replacing old appliances, look for energy-efficient models with the ENERGY STAR label; this indicates that they meet energy-efficient guidelines. Efficiency Vermont compares these products to help you get the best deal.

7. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Make a conscious effort to reduce waste by reducing consumption, choosing reusable products, and recycling materials. Composting food scraps and yard waste also reduces the amount of waste going to landfills.

Incorporating these eco-friendly modifications and lifestyle changes in your home will significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Besides, they will increase your property's value, which could benefit you when selling your home. Want to know the current market value of your Vermont home? Find Out today.

7 Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

Looking to make your Vermont home more eco-friendly? There are many updates and changes you can make in your home to help you achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. Some of these changes not only will lower your energy costs but can also increase the value of your home.

1. Switch out your Light Bulbs

Swap your incandescent light bulbs for LED light bulbs. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional lights! These are more efficient and they will end up saving you money in the long run.

2. Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances

Whether it’s your washer or refrigerator replacing outdated appliances with new more efficient models will help cut your home's energy consumption. However, finding the right model can be overwhelming. We recommend browsing online on Efficieny Vermont where they compare products and help you get the best deal.

3. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

If purchasing a new washer and dryer isn’t in your budget, you can still find ways to cut your energy use with the appliances you have. According to energy star, by adjusting your cycle temperature from hot to warm you can cut the energy use in half. Additionally, switching to the cold cycle will decrease the energy use even more! After washing your garments, consider skipping the dryer and line drying your clothes.

4. Insulate Walls, Ceilings, and Doors 

Make sure your home is sealed tight to retain heat in the winter and keep hot air out of the home during the warmer months. This, in turn, will help decrease the energy used to heat and cool your home throughout the year which will lower those associated costs as well! 

5. Compost

The average family produces about 18 pounds of trash a day which adds up to 6,570 pounds of trash a year! If you compost, you will help to decrease the amount of solid waste your household generates. If you live in Vermont, then you should have already hopped on the composting bandwagon. However, if you need assistance on how to compost the Vermont Department of Energy Conservation has a great guide on the do's and don'ts of composting. 

6. Install Solar Panels

While these can be costly, solar panels will be the most effective to combat greenhouse gas emissions. In Vermont, the solar prices are down 45% over the past 5 years! Plus, to help offset costs you can get a 26% federal tax credit for projects that begin before 2023. 

7. Use Eco-Friendly Household Products 

Try using green plant-based products and eco-friendly paint to reduce the release of toxins that pollute the air pollution. We recommend using databases such as the EPA Safer Choice Program to see how your current household products size up and to how to search for cleaner products.

 

Making these lifestyle changes and upgrades to your home will help immensely to reduce your carbon footprint. These improvements will also increase your home's value which will put you in a great position when you decide to sell your home

Comments

  1. Jim Kupczyk on

    Awesome tips. Thanks for sharing.
    • Islands Realty on

      Glad you enjoyed!
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