How to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

Most people want to take steps to reduce their environmental impact, but getting started can seem complicated. A search for ways to make your home more sustainable casts a wide net, and sometimes it isn’t clear what will work best for your needs.

While you can make dramatic changes to your existing home, like creating a live roof with plants on it, you can also make smaller changes to things like your appliances or water usage. The truth is that any house can be green with a little planning.

Green products have grown in popularity, but just because something is marketed as being green, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily regulated or safer for you. That’s why we’ve done the work for you to break down the basics. Here’s how to g  make your home more eco-friendly.

BENEFITS OF AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOME

Of course, making your home more sustainable will likely make you feel good about your overall environmental impact, but there are other unexpected benefits, too. For starters, some eco-friendly home improvements like solar panels can save (and give) you money.

According to Forbes, having enough solar panels in your array (which is what a group of panels is called) can potentially generate enough energy for your whole home. This would save you money on electrical utility bills. In addition, there are some government incentives available to homeowners who install solar panels by 2024. Solar panels are especially great for San Antonio residents because of the number of sunny days we get.

Currently, there is a residential federal tax credit that allows taxpayers to claim 26% of the installation costs of having their solar panels installed by Dec. 31, 2022, according to NerdWallet. That credit percentage drops to 22% in 2023, and it expires starting in 2024 if the government doesn’t renew it, so now is a great time to add them to your home.

Additionally, making green improvements now can get you more money when you sell your home later. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, eco-friendly home improvements are seen as upgrades. A good agent will work with your appraiser to let them know about the eco-friendly additions you have made. 

The PV Value® tool is helpful for both home sellers and homebuyers. It calculates the energy production value for a PV system and is compliant with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and has been endorsed by the Appraisal Institute for the income approach method. Make sure your appraiser uses this tool to get the most accurate estimate of your PV system’s value.

Some green home changes can also help lower your blueprint by keeping your temperature consistent. Try eco-friendly insulation options like aerogel, cellulose, or recycled denim insulation to help the planet and keep your home comfortable.

Also, taking steps to make your home more eco-friendly can potentially impact your health in a positive way. Many building materials and paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can make you sick, according to the EPA. When you opt for green products, make sure to check that they are actually eco-friendly.

According to The Spruce, the increasing public shift to being more environmentally conscious has led to questionable products being sold under the guise of being green. In terms of VOCs, you can now purchase low-VOC paint or zero VOC paint. If you already have VOC paint you have some options, like painting over it, sealing it, or stripping it.

SIMPLE ECO-FRIENDLY SWAPS

Who knew that going green could be as easy as swapping the paint you use? Well, there are plenty more shopping switches for sustainable home goods that you can make that will help the environment, like:

• LED Light Bulbs
  According to Energy.gov, LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. 
• Smart Thermostat
  Switching to a smart thermostat can save you money and help the planet. Especially when your thermostat is accessible from your phone, you can easily switch your air off when you aren’t home. 
• Wool Dryer Balls
  This easy at-home swap keeps dryer sheets out of the landfill and cuts down your drying time (and energy bills), too! 
• Reusable Home Products
  The next time you’re at the store, try swapping out some of the products you use at home for longer-lasting and greener options. Think beeswax wraps instead of plastic bags, reusable paper towels, and even plastic-free cleaning products.

ECO-FRIENDLY HOME DECOR

Updating your space to include eco-friendly home decor can help lower your home’s overall environmental impact. Shopping second-hand and buying items like recycled or vintage furniture is a great way to make your home more environmentally friendly by lowering the impact that your decor has on the planet.

Another decor option is to use thick curtains instead of blinds. This keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter because it helps insulate your space, therefore reducing the amount of work your HVAC system does. You can also shop locally when designing and decorating your space because that will help cut down on the emissions from shipping products.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

Adding some green-home features like appliances is one of the best ways to make your home more eco-friendly. While these swaps might be a bigger investment than things like decorations, they make a larger impact. Some great options include:

• Electric stove
  According to The Atlantic, gas stoves are harmful to the environment as well as the air quality in your home. 
• Composter
  Adding a composting bin to your home can help reduce the amount of waste you produce at home. Local San Antonio group the Compost Queens can help you get started.
• Electric or manual mower
  EPA data has found that gas-powered lawn mowers make up five percent of total air pollution in the United States, according to Princeton. Switching to a manual or electric mower helps reduce this.
• Energy-star appliances
  There is an entire website dedicated to helping you find the best energy-efficient appliances as well as rebates.

WHAT ABOUT WATER?

Water conservation can play a crucial role when you’re looking for ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Many of these changes can be simple, too, like turning off the water when it’s not actively in use, such as when you’re brushing your teeth.

Installing low-flow showerheads, toilets, faucets, and sprinkler systems takes the work out of having to think about your water usage because they help to reduce the amount of water you use. That doesn’t mean that you’ll get weak pressure, though. Many modern low-flow products rely on gravity and also aerate the water by forcing it through small spaces.

Another option is to conserve water by using a rainwater barrel. The city of San Antonio has a rebate program that incentivizes people to take advantage of this option. Most people use the rainwater they collect not for drinking but for watering their yard or washing things.

ECO-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING

In a hot climate like San Antonio’s, trying to keep a yard full of grass green can be hard on the environment (and your utility bill). Instead, opt for design styles like xeriscaping, a style of design that doesn’t need irrigation, and utilize some cool cactuses. You can also use your yard space to help add shade to your space, cool your home, and combat climate change by planting a native tree.