With climate change front of mind for so many now, not to mention health concerns and financial issues, it’s wise to continually look for ways to tread more lightly on the earth.
Many of us want to be around fewer chemicals and other toxins, and save money on energy consumption and related expenses, too.
While you probably already take steps to be environmentally conscious when it comes to the food and beauty products you buy, have you spent much time thinking about how to make your property more sustainable in the day-to-day?
If not, it’s time to consider some key ways to maintain your home to make it greener.
Add More Insulation and Seal Gaps
Add more insulation to your home to make it warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and thereby reduce your need to run HVAC systems so much. Insulation is often lacking in older homes because less was used years ago, and it can disintegrate over time.
Add or replace insulation with modern, high-quality products to keep your house more temperate year-round. You may be able to handle this job yourself if you’re suitably experienced or hire a contractor specializing in insulation work.
Another way to help better seal your home to make it run more sustainably is to seal gaps around the property that may have opened up over time.
For example, if you have old windows, they may not be efficient if they’re broken or ill-fitting. It could be time to swap them out for new ones. Plus, newer, double-glazed glass can better insulate.
Also, check your home’s siding areas, as needed. Look for bits where air might escape, such as the bottom rim and around vents and exhaust fans. If not already done, seal around the entrance points for pipes and HVAC ductwork, too.
Keep the Roof in Good Order and Add Solar Panels
To look after your home sustainably, keep its roof in good order. Have it inspected after storms and just generally at least once a year.
Check online for “highly-rated roofing companies near me” or other relevant search terms to find a contractor experienced at cleaning and repairing roofs. Have the person you hire pick up on any old shingles or broken or missing tiles, etc., that are or could create holes.
You want a secure roof that won’t leak and let in hot or cold air unnecessarily.
You might like to consider having solar panels installed on your roof, too, to make your home more self-sufficient and eco-friendly. Solar options have improved significantly in the last five to ten years, and you may be surprised by how few panels you require to cut your power bills right back.
Sort Out HVAC Systems
A maintenance job you don’t want to neglect is attending to HVAC systems. Heating and cooling products can use up a lot of gas, and the older they are, the likely less efficient they are.
As a result, keep your units in as good a condition as possible with regular maintenance, so they don’t consume any more power than necessary. They’ll live a longer life, too, when well-preserved, which enables you to consume fewer resources over time.
Hire an electrician or other qualified professional to maintain HVAC units. You don’t want to play around with electrical appliances without the proper training and experience.
The contractor you choose can check the system’s ventilation, change filters, clear out dust and other debris, and generally take steps to keep your machine(s) working as efficiently as possible.
Use More Natural Products
If you want to maintain your home more sustainably, it’s vital to think twice about all the products you use. For example, steer clear of chemical-laden cleaning gear that doesn’t have good implications for the planet. Instead, opt for natural solutions that are gray-water friendly and made from simpler ingredients.
There are all sorts of excellent eco-friendly cleaning products on the market these days, or you can even make your own from items you likely already have on hand, such as baking soda, salt, lemon juice, and vinegar.
When you need to use paint, buy low-VOC products that are kinder to the planet and to you and your family. When it’s time to change light bulbs, opt for energy-efficient ones, too.
These are just some of the choices you can make around and for your home to enable you to be a more sustainable citizen. Remember that every small act makes a difference and can add up to significant impacts over time.
Leave a Reply