5 Home Renovations That Will Help the Environment

One of the biggest factors in humanity’s impact on the environment is buildings. The materials that go into building and maintaining buildings and their energy use contribute to climate change. If you want to protect the planet, getting your home ready for the future is one of the best ways. Luckily, you can make a big difference with some simple upgrades to your home or apartment. Take a look at these five ways you can get your house ready for whatever challenges lie ahead:

Double-paned windows

Double-paned windows are a great place to start if you’re looking to make your home more energy-efficient. While they’re generally more expensive than single-paned windows, they also perform better in energy efficiency. Many homeowners often choose to install triple-pane windows for even greater savings.

Double-pane and triple-pane glass come in two main types: gas-filled and vacuum sealed (also called low-E). In both cases, the outer pane protects against ultraviolet radiation. The inner pane allows for maximum heat transfer between inside and outside. However, because it’s thicker than normal glass, low-E will cost you more upfront. It cannot be easy to install without professional help.

Solar panels

Many people are unaware of solar panels’ positive impact on the environment, their homes, and the local economy.

Solar panels are an easy way to save energy and money in your home. They do this by converting sunlight into usable electricity that can power items such as a television or laptop. This reduces your carbon footprint and helps prevent pollution from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas.

The installation of these panels is also good for the economy. It creates jobs and brings more money into your community through tax revenue. If you install them yourself, you’ll also be able to save on labor costs.

Insulation

Insulation is one of the best ways to reduce energy bills and make your home more environmentally friendly. Nothing would feel better than having a heated floor system. The insulation can be installed in walls, ceilings, attics, and basements. There are also different types of insulation materials that can be used depending on what you want to get out of them. For example:

Fiberglass – This is a very common insulation material made from glass fibers blown into wall cavities or attics. It has been around for decades, so it’s very effective at blocking heat transfer between rooms (or outside temperatures).
Cellulose – This type is made from recycled newspapers that have been shredded into small pieces before being blown into walls or attics.
Rock wool – This type comprises tiny rocks trapped together with synthetic fibers, making them stronger than regular fiberglass. The disadvantage is the high cost since rock wool isn’t readily available.

Rain Barrel

Rain barrels are great for saving water. They can be placed on your roof or the ground and capture rainwater from your gutters, downspouts, and roof. The collected water can then water your garden or lawn during dry periods. You may even use it as a backup source of drinking water if you live on well water. Rain barrels usually come in 40-50 gallons and 60 gallons, so you can choose one that best fits your needs.

Use Local Building Materials

There are many benefits to using local building materials. For one, they allow you to support your local economy and reduce transportation costs. This can be especially helpful in rural areas with high distance-based shipping prices. Also, many communities have programs for recycling certain items. It might be possible for you to take advantage of those services at little or no cost.

Also, transporting materials from one location to another involves burning fossil fuels and releasing pollution into the air. Using locally sourced materials is recommended. If all else fails, consider using synthetic alternatives like plastic instead of wood or metal. These materials will break down over time.

Conclusion

The choices you make at home reflect your values and priorities. If you want to do your part for the environment, there are plenty of ways you can show your commitment through home renovations. Depending on what’s important to you, you could start small with a few easy fixes or go big with an extensive overhaul of your home’s energy systems. No matter how much or how little time and money you invest in these kinds of projects, any effort you make will make a difference in reducing environmental impact.