If you are interested in home renovations, going green may be more affordable than you think!
When determining the next project for your space, consider the eco-friendly upgrades that can deliver the highest return on investment (ROI) while making your property more sustainable and cost-effective.
Contents
- 1 1. Replace Outdated Windows
- 2 2. Upgrade Your Garage Door
- 3 3. Update Your Plumbing
- 4 4. Install a Tankless Water Heater
- 5 5. Invest in Efficient Ceiling Fans
- 6 6. Switch to Solar
- 7 7. Replace Shingles With a Metal Roof
- 8 8. Install Natural Flooring
- 9 9. Upgrade to Composite Decks
- 10 The Importance of Making Eco-Friendly Renovations
- 11 Going Green With High RIO
1. Replace Outdated Windows
Old windows may be wreaking havoc on your monthly utility bills. Air leaks, drafts and poor ultraviolet (UV) ray protection may make your space feel less comfortable and lead to wasted energy.
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can lower your home’s consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On average, homeowners who install ENERGY STAR-certified windows can enjoy up to 13% lower energy bills.
Replacing outdated windows with efficient alternatives is a great way to increase your property value and enjoy long-term savings while making your home look and feel better.
2. Upgrade Your Garage Door
Upgrading your garage door is one renovation project you may have overlooked when it comes to making your home more eco-friendly. Your garage door helps regulate indoor air temperatures and greatly impacts your property’s overall efficiency. If it is not well insulated, you may be wasting money and energy.
You can reduce energy loss through a garage by up to 71% by replacing an outdated door with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Older options tend to require more energy for operation, contributing to higher costs. A brand-new garage door also enhances your curb appeal and can make your home more secure.
3. Update Your Plumbing
Another eco-friendly renovation project for supercharging your return on investment is updating old plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Outdated plumbing can negatively impact your home’s water quality and be wasteful. You can significantly reduce water consumption by updating your pipes and installing efficient, low-flow faucets, shower heads and toilets. Saving water is one of the best ways to live more sustainably and reduce your monthly utility costs.
Newer plumbing can also improve water pressure while reducing ongoing maintenance costs, making it a great investment with a high ROI potential.
4. Install a Tankless Water Heater
Installing a tankless water heater is another eco-friendly renovation project that can benefit your wallet. Traditional water heaters can waste energy by heating water while on standby.
Tankless heaters are more energy-efficient because they increase water temperatures as needed. This eliminates wasted energy and helps your home lower energy bills while reducing its carbon footprint.
In addition to being more energy-efficient, tankless water heaters also feature lower operating costs for long-term savings. Making this upgrade can help you enhance sustainability and boost your home’s resale value.
5. Invest in Efficient Ceiling Fans
Cooling your home is a huge expense for your family, especially if you live in a hot climate. About 20% of residential energy costs in the U.S. are used for powering air conditioners (AC).
Investing in energy-efficient ceiling fans is an excellent way to support your air conditioning unit and maintain a more comfortable indoor environment during those hot, humid days. ENERGY STAR-rated fans can help reduce demand on your AC and keep cool air circulating throughout your space, reducing energy usage and harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Switch to Solar
Switching to solar energy is among the most beneficial home renovations for making your property more environmentally friendly and enhancing cost savings. By making this change, you can effectively reduce electricity consumption while increasing your home’s value. In fact, investing in solar panels can boost your property value by $15,000 on average.
A common misconception about switching to solar is that you must live somewhere like Florida, Arizona or Southern California, where the sun shines throughout most of the year. However, you can benefit from cost savings with solar energy systems no matter where you live.
7. Replace Shingles With a Metal Roof
Metal roofs are gaining popularity in the home sector — and for good reason! They are entirely recyclable and longer-lasting than traditional shingles made from asphalt or wood. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly renovation project with a high ROI and your roof is in need of replacement, consider upgrading to a metal option.
In the U.S., the national average ROI for a metal roofing replacement project is a whopping 48.9%, making it a fantastic investment for your home.
8. Install Natural Flooring
Another environmentally sound home renovation idea is installing natural flooring. Using materials such as bamboo or reclaimed hardwood can add a stylish and eco-friendly touch to your home while offering a generous return on investment.
These materials are significantly more sustainable and durable than vinyl, laminate, carpeting or engineered wood, which can harm the environment and indoor health. Natural flooring reduces the impact on natural resources, helps you establish a more sustainable home and is longer-lasting than synthetic options.
9. Upgrade to Composite Decks
In addition to updating your indoor floors, consider upgrading your outdoor decks to make your home more eco-friendly and enjoy a high ROI.
Composite decking is a great option. This material is made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic materials, helping reduce waste while delivering great aesthetics for your outdoor space. It is a lower maintenance and longer-lasting option than traditional wood decks, which are vulnerable to mold and insect infestations. Traditional wood also requires more frequent upkeep and replacement, making it more costly and wasteful than composite options.
The Importance of Making Eco-Friendly Renovations
Prioritizing environmentally sound renovation projects can highly benefit you, your family and the planet. Before tackling your next home project, consider the key reasons to make eco-friendly choices below:
1. Reducing Your Home’s Carbon Footprint
Opting for energy-efficient and sustainable renovation projects can reduce your property’s carbon footprint. You can do your part in mitigating climate change and protecting the environment by lowering the carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions required for powering your space.
Reducing your carbon footprint can also help improve air quality, biodiversity and the preservation of natural habitats.
2. Long-Term Cost-Savings
While some eco-friendly home renovation projects may have high upfront costs, these upgrades can deliver outstanding savings over time. Increasing your energy efficiency and choosing sustainable, longer-lasting building materials can help your family save significant expenses in the future. Plus, if you’re putting your property on the market, you can use green renovations as an attractive selling point to entice potential buyers.
3. Supporting a Healthy Community
Going green with eco-friendly renovations can ultimately have a major influence on your community’s health. These upgrades can effectively reduce pollution and conserve local resources, helping reduce your negative impacts on the planet and contributing to a more sustainable future for your neighborhood.
Going Green With High RIO
Whether you want to harness long-term savings for your family or you’re looking to entice potential home buyers with greener features on your property, the right upgrades can benefit your wallet and the planet.