Whether you want to live "off the grid" or you just want to do your part to make the earth a healthier, greener place, there are things you can do to your home to be an environmentally conscious homeowner. Some of these things have to start with a new home building project, while others can be added to older homes or homes that have already been built.
Here is how to go about it.
Custom Build Your Home
If you are planning on building a brand-new home rather than buying a home that has already been built in the past, you can make green updates to the house plans before your construction contractor even gets started. Ask the architect to include things like a wind turbine (if allowed where your house will be built), solar energy panels, and a geothermal heating and cooling system. Since your home has not yet been built, it will be easier to construct and install these features as during the construction process.
Conduct an Energy Audit
If you already have a home, and you are currently dwelling in it but you want to make it more energy-efficient, conduct an energy audit. According to Comfort Solutions, an energy audit can identify where a home is lacking in energy efficiency. It reveals where you can make major and minor changes to your home to increase efficiency and reduce energy expenditure costs. Something as simple as using a smaller refrigerator, reducing your AC or heater usage, or swapping LED light bulbs for other lighting options can make a difference.
Consider Smart Home Options
Consider adding smart home options too. A device such as a smart thermostat will allow you to control the temperature of your home via Wi-Fi signals so that you can even turn the temperature up or down while you are miles away. Many homeowners sometimes forget to program their thermostats, or they forget to turn the temperature down/up when they are gone during the day. These thermostats help you fix these situations even if you don't remember to do so until you are already at work. According to Mysa, smart thermostats can help you to save energy while you’re away, which not only saves the environment, but also saves you money on your energy bills.
Choosing which energy-saving projects to do first can seem overwhelming. However, let your budget guide you. You can do one or two really big projects, then do those first because they will have the greatest impact. If not, several smaller projects can still add up to something worthwhile.
