Eco-friendly homes are designed and built with sustainability in mind. They use durable, recycled materials to reduce their environmental impact.
An eco-friendly home can make a big difference in how much energy you use and what you pay for. It also provides enhanced indoor air quality and a healthier lifestyle.
1. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting is one of the quickest, easiest and most effective ways to make your home greener. It reduces your power bill, improves lighting quality and offers productivity boosts.
LEDs are an excellent option because they produce the most light with the least amount of energy. They are also very versatile, so they can be used in almost any area of your home.
CFLs are also a great choice because they produce more light for less energy than incandescents.
You can also take advantage of timers to control your lights when they’re not in use. This is particularly helpful for recessed lighting, as it can reduce your electricity bill significantly.
2. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Choosing energy-efficient appliances is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment. Energy-efficient appliances save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water, which all help prevent climate change and global warming.
Replacing old incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs can reduce your electricity bill by up to 90% and last 15 times longer. You can also install ENERGY STAR-certified lights, which are more efficient and use up to 50% less energy than regular bulbs.
Appliances that are rated ENERGY STAR meet or exceed energy efficiency standards set by the EPA and DOE. Look for the Energy Star label on clothes washers, refrigerators, dishwashers and room air conditioners.
3. Install Energy-Efficient Windows
Energy efficient windows make your home more comfortable by preventing drafts and keeping outdoor temperatures at a reasonable level. They also save you money by reducing your energy costs.
A major part of your home’s energy use is heating and cooling, which consumes 25%-30% of a typical household’s utility expenses. Installing energy-efficient windows can help reduce your utility bills and lower your carbon footprint.
There are many different factors that determine how energy-efficient a window is. These include its U-value, which measures insulation properties and its R-value, which accounts for heat transfer in and out of your home.
4. Install Energy-Efficient Doors
Doors play a big role in keeping warm air inside your home in the winter and cool air outside in the summer. Investing in new energy-efficient doors can make a huge impact on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Replacing old doors with new ones can also help you earn a tax credit. Check the ENERGY STAR rating, U-factor and R-factor of the door before purchasing.
Energy efficient doors use multiple glass panes and improved core materials to reduce heat flow and air leakage. They may also have a tighter fit or include weatherstripping.
5. Install Energy-Efficient Insulation
Insulation reduces energy loss through the walls, roof, ducts and other surfaces of a building by preventing unwanted air movement and reducing the amount of heat that flows.
Many buildings have little insulation – or none at all – which means they are losing a lot of heat. Homeowners can significantly cut energy costs by installing the right insulation and sealing air leaks.
There are a variety of materials to choose from, including fiberglass, rockwool, cellulose and natural fibers. The more dense the material, the higher its R-value, which is a measure of its ability to resist the transfer of heat.