Responsible homeowners love making changes and improvements in their homes, in hopes that their lives will be easier, that they will save some money, or even earn money in the long run. If you’re thinking of going green but aren’t sure it is the right thing to do, we have prepared a list of reasons why it would be a good idea. Not only will you make a difference and help save the planet, but you will also be able to save money while doing so.
Good sides of going green
First things first: you will be able to save a lot of money on your electricity and natural gas bills. Energy efficient homes don’t need to use as much electricity and natural gas as other homes, and the difference might seem subtle at first, but by the end of the first year, you will notice that you’ve spent hundreds of dollars less than before. Not to mention that your home will also be more comfortable: it will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and you won’t have to worry about cooling or heating the distant rooms. In addition to this, you will be able to set a higher price if you decide to sell your house because of all these improvements.
Water usage
Even though people usually try to reduce their electricity costs, a lot can be achieved if you decide to lower your water usage. This can be done in many ways: you could start turning the tap off while you’re brushing your teeth, watering your plants with water you cooked your pasta in, and fixing any leaks you might have at home, no matter how minor they are. You could also try harvesting rainwater in special tanks that will allow you to use it to wash your car, water your lawn, and flush your toilets without using tap water in the first place. Low flow faucets and shower heads can also help you save water in the long run.
Solar panels
Another great way to spend less money on electricity is to use solar panels. People in Australia, the land with plenty of sun, have already taken on the trend, and in 2018, there were two million homes that had rooftop solar panels. The leading and largest Australian installer of battery power is Natural Solar, as people need quality products to help them get the most of hot and sunny days. Even though solar panels aren’t cheap, people are gladly investing because they are able to get clean energy, save money, and help the planet at the same time. What is more, homes with solar panels are worth a lot more on the real estate market, which is also one of the reasons why people choose to get them in the first place.
Energy-efficient appliances
If you feel like your current monthly expenses are rather high and you want to make them lower, you might want to invest in energy-efficient appliances. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that by investing in “green” appliances and doing a few home upgrades, you will be able to save up to 30 percent on your utility bills. This is one of the reasons why so many Americans choose to buy energy-efficient appliances in the first place, even if their price can be a bit higher than the other appliances. They work just as well as the “regular” appliances but use less energy, which makes them perfect for conserving energy and saving money.
Even though some of these ideas require that you invest a significant sum of money first, it will certainly pay off in the long run. While doing something good for the environment, you will at the same time be saving money every day, and you will be making your everyday life much easier, not to mention that the resale value of your home will be much higher if you decide to sell your house someday.
