Green Home Improvements: Simple Ways to Do It

If you're thinking of redecorating your home and want to make it more energy efficient, it may pay to think green. You don't have to be a professional contractor or designer to improve your home. You can easily make simple home improvements that will help you save money and improve energy efficiency. Below we will show you how you can do this as we take a look at some of the most basic improvements of our lives. 

If you think your home could use some of these improvements but would need help to afford them, you may be eligible to receive financial support for making these changes. There are some low-interest personal loans available to help you pay for the cost of some of the improvements you want to make. To help you live a greener lifestyle for less, here are a few things you can try:

1. Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great way to reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint. They also help you store excess energy for use when it is needed most, such as in the evening or at night. The best thing about solar panels is that they are simple to install and don't require many tools or skills to make them work.

Solar panels are a great option if you're looking for a practical way to make your home greener while saving on your power bill. They're incredibly efficient at converting sunlight into usable energy, so they'll help you use less electricity overall.

2. Switch to Eco-Friendly Home Heating Options 

Eco-friendly heating options are the best choice for your green home. 
Instead of using traditional methods, you must consider switching to a more efficient form of heating, such as geothermal or solar hot water heaters. Geothermal systems draw heat from deeper within the earth, where it can then be used to warm your home's water supply. Solar hot water heaters use the sun's rays to transfer heat into your home's water supply. Both systems are much more efficient than their fossil fuel counterparts and will reduce your carbon footprint significantly.

3. Buy Energy-efficient Appliances

The most obvious way to reduce your energy usage is to upgrade your appliances. This is often the easiest step in a green home improvement project, as you can find energy-efficient models at most home improvement stores and online.

Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less energy and therefore save you money in the long run. The most common type of energy-efficient appliances are water heaters, dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators and air conditioners. You can sell your old devices on websites like eBay in order to make your finances easy for the upgrades you are planning. 

4. Insulation 

Insulation is the best way to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. It also helps to reduce the amount of heat that gets lost through the roof, walls and windows.

Insulation can be either thermal or acoustic, depending on its function. Thermal insulation is used to keep heat in and cold air out, whereas acoustical insulation reduces unwanted sound waves that can travel through your walls and ceilings. 

5. Use Energy-saving Light Bulbs

A light bulb is a simple green home improvement that can make a big difference. We all want to save money, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by using energy-saving light bulbs. These bulbs use about 80 percent less electricity than regular incandescent bulbs, and they last longer too. The only drawback is that they are more expensive, so you'll have to decide whether it's worth it for your household.

6. Upgrade Your Bathroom

Going for a full bathroom renovation isn't necessary for making an eco-friendly home. You can get the job done and save a lot of money and water just by replacing your toilet and showerhead. Toilets account for nearly 30% of the total indoor water consumption in an average home, and switching to a low-flow toilet can help you avoid flushing money down the drain. By installing a new toilet that comes with a WaterSense label, you can reduce water waste by 60%, saving more than £90 per year in reduced water bills. You can also install a low-flow shower head to save even more water and energy every time you use it.

Final Thoughts: 

So here are a few simple ways you can go green and save the environment. Sometimes we need a little push to make our lives more sustainable, and once we get started, there's no stopping us. In general, when you go green and make upgrades to your home, you could be saving lots of money in the long run. From appliances (especially older ones) to home improvement (both exterior and interior), you can do it all with a bit of research and planning. When budget is an issue, taking a personal loan might be worth it for the benefits you can explore by going green. 

Author Bio: 

Tanya Singh works as a Content Marketer at LoanTube – a loan comparison marketplace where borrowers can connect with multiple lenders via a convenient and transparent application. She writes about topics related to personal finance and loans helping her readers in making smart decisions when they need to borrow. Yoga brings her inner peace and strength, and travelling brings her joy (besides her work of course).