The ability to finally buy a home for your family is an exciting prospect. This is especially memorable if the home will be a fruit of your labor in establishing your small business. However, it can also be daunting, especially when it comes to figuring out how to make the home affordable and environmentally friendly.
Thankfully, there are many cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions you can implement into your family home. You don’t have to make a lot of big changes to see a difference; start with these some small steps and work your way up.
Using a Renewable Energy Source
One of the simplest and most effective ways to make your home more environmentally friendly is to install solar panels. Solar energy is a renewable resource, meaning it can be used over and over again, and it doesn’t produce any harmful emissions.
In addition to being good for the environment, solar energy is also a great way to save money on your energy bills. The sun is shining during the day when you need energy the most, so it makes sense to use it as an energy source that’s naturally available at this time.
Switching to Inexpensive Toilet Tanks
Replacing your toilet tanks with water-conserving options can also save you a good deal of money on your energy bills. Standard toilet tanks use water constantly as it’s flushed, and they require larger capacities to accommodate this.
When you switch to a water-conserving model, not only are the tanks smaller because your toilets only use the amount of water they need, but you also save a good deal of money on your water usage since the tanks do not have to be replaced often. These kinds of tanks are also inexpensive, making the switch a cost-effective solution.
Using the Tap for Drinking Water
Another simple solution is to install a soft water conditioner. This device uses filters and minerals to remove the harmful chemicals in your tap water, so you can drink it directly from the tap.
You can avoid buying expensive bottled water by doing this. The benefits of soft water don’t stop at being able to drink it from the tap. Soft water is also good for your skin, hair, and clothes because it can reduce the build-up of soap and other chemicals.
Installing Tankless Water Heaters
Another great way to make your home more eco-friendly is to install a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters use less energy than traditional water heaters, and they also last longer. Plus, they’re more efficient.
Instead of heating all the water in a tank, these kinds of heaters provide hot water on demand. This means it will only use the energy it needs to provide you with hot water. You can also save money by installing a solar tankless heater, which utilizes the free energy of the sun.
Getting Rid of Existing Energy Vampires
Sometimes it’s not possible to install new eco-friendly elements in your home. It might also be that it’s the overall energy usage of the house that needs to be addressed, not just what happens during the day.
The best way to do this is to get rid of any energy vampires that might be lurking around your house. Energy vampires are appliances and gadgets that continue to use energy even when they’re turned off. The most common examples of these include televisions, computers, microwaves, and lights.
Installing a Greywater System
Greywater systems re-purpose your bath and sink water, so you can use it to take care of other household needs. For example, you can use it to water your garden or flush the toilet. This is a more eco-friendly, cost-effective solution because you don’t have to use as much water from your municipal water supply.
But before you can install one, there are a few things you should know. First, greywater systems can be somewhat complicated to install, especially if you’re building your home from the ground up. Second, you need to check your local codes and ordinances before installing one because some states prohibit greywater systems due to health concerns, or because they can be costly to maintain.
Why Should You Practice Green Living?
Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, many of the solutions are downright affordable. And, not only will you be doing your part to save the environment, but you’ll also be saving money on your energy bills.
You might not be able to reverse the harmful effects of climate change entirely, but you can certainly do your part to slow it down. Start small and work your way up. Once you get in the habit of making your home more environmentally friendly, you’ll be able to do it naturally.
The small changes you make to your family home can add up and make a big difference in the long run. So, choose to become more eco-friendly and cost-effective because it’s not only good for the environment but also your whole family!
