If you would like to run a more sustainable home then there are several upgrades big and small you can make. You could start with the lighting and then if you’re up to the challenge even install solar panels or renewable energy gadgets.
Easier jobs such as replacing the lighting and heating system won’t take you long and you’ll even save money on utilities. A more eco-friendly home is not only beneficial to the environment but good for your wallet as well.
There are plenty of ways you can make home renovations more eco-friendly too. Instead of spending money on new items, you could use recycled materials such as reclaimed wood.
You could even decorate your yard and exterior with repurposed furniture and upcycled accessories. The possibilities are endless if you’re creative enough. Here are twelve eco-friendly upgrades for your home’s exterior.
Solar panels
Solar panels are an alternative source of energy that doesn’t have a negative impact on the environment. By using solar power you will reduce the number of emissions you produce from fossil fuels.
It’s easier to install solar panels than you might think and it’s very beneficial to the environment. You can use them as an additional source of energy and reduce your utility bills.
Another advantage of installing solar panels is that you receive a tax credit. This is an incentive from the government to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. There are plenty of helpful resources online if you’re not sure about whether solar panels would work on your roof.
Look at some video tutorials online about how to install solar panels and find out how to use them at home. If you aren’t confident that you can install the solar panels yourself, call Sunpower by Custom Energy for a free consultation. They can answer any questions you may have about solar panel installation and professionally install them for you if that is what you choose.
Energy-efficient LEDs
You should replace all your outdoor garden lights with more energy-efficient LED bulbs. These are the most eco-friendly lightbulbs and hardly waste any energy in heat. LEDs are also much more durable so you’ll be able to light up your home’s exterior for much longer. Get some new outdoor lights in time for the darker winter months, and you’ll be able to enjoy the view of your yard until later in the evening. You could even set up lights around your patio to enjoy your evenings outside when the warm weather comes back again.
Motion detector lights
Another eco-friendly alternative for your garden lighting is motion sensor lights. This will automatically switch themselves off when no one is around, as they detect movement. Motion detector lights are a great way to conserve energy. If you ever forget to switch off your outside lights it won’t matter because they’ll automatically go off on their own. You’ll also use less electricity and save money on your utility bills.
Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed is a great option if you want to make a sustainable choice for your home renovations. You can use it on many parts of your home’s exterior including siding and the roof. Salvaged wood is not only better for the environment but it creates a gorgeous timeless look. Reclaimed wood can come from anywhere so your building will have a story.
You can find it as a recycled part of different structures such as piers, weatherboards from an old fence, wide-plank flooring from a schoolhouse, or even beams from abandoned warehouses. You can find out where to buy reclaimed wood online near you. It’s up to you if you want to work with the reclaimed wood yourself or hire a carpenter, but it’s a very versatile and beautiful material.
Repurposed outdoor furniture
Another sustainable way to decorate your home’s exterior is with repurposed outdoor furniture. Upcycling is a growing trend and it’s incredibly satisfying and fun to do. You can either buy second-hand furniture at a thrift store or see what you can find in your attic.
As a hobby, many people also flip recycled furniture and you can even make a project. In any case, it’s the most sustainable way to kit out your patio. Second-hand pieces have a lot more character and you can create a truly stylish environment to entertain outside.
Renewable energy gadgets
As well as solar panels, there are plenty of other renewable energy gadgets you can use to make your home more eco-friendly. You could invest in a solar-powered mosquito repellent light for your yard or patio, and keep the bugs away without wasting electricity.
There are also plenty of other fun solar-powered gadgets for entertaining outdoors such as Bluetooth speakers and comfy loungers, which are great if you want to chill outside when the warmer weather arrives. When you’re looking for new items for your home, try and opt for the most sustainable choice.
Smart home technology
Smart home technology is ideal if you want to control the amount of energy you use. You can control the thermostat, indoor and outdoor lighting, and all your appliances using a single app on a smartphone or other device.
You can switch your heating or appliances on for when you’re on your way home or program them with a timer. This is another easy way to save money on your utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.
Connect your home security system and outdoor lighting to your e-home, and monitor your exterior from your smartphone online. You can access your smart home from anywhere and at any time so it’s a very convenient choice.
New windows
You might think this is not one of the most efficient ways to keep your home eco-friendly but the reality is that if there’s a lot of heat escaping your home, hiring a window installation company to fix this component in conjunction with insulation will make a massive difference to your energy bills during the winter. Upgrading from double glazing to triple-glazed windows will make a massive difference because you won’t need to put the heating on as much.
Drainage solutions
Look into different drainage solutions for your home’s exterior. You could opt for a trench drain systems supply which is an efficient way to get rid of water and rainfall.
Alternatively, you could experiment with reclaimed water solutions. It’s an ideal option for watering your yard. Set up a drainage system that collects rainfall as it runs down from your roof that successfully irrigates your lawn and garden. It might be worth consulting a landscape architect who will be able to inform you about the recycled water options that are best for your home.
Compost heap
Another one for the garden, a compost heap is the most sustainable way to get rid of organic kitchen waste. It’s a good idea to set up a compost heap during the winter months as it will fertilize your soil in time for spring.
By the time it comes to planting, your flowerbeds will be enriched with nutrients. You can even make your own compost container from recycled wooden pallets for an even more eco-friendly option. Here is a guide to compost which explains what materials you can and can’t put in the container. Why not feed your garden this year, with a zero-waste winter project?
Eco-friendly play areas
If you have children and you want to set up an eco-friendly playground, you have plenty of options. Always go for sustainable materials such as recycled rubber and rubber or wood mulch. You can find plenty of recycled yard toys and playground structures online. It’s becoming a growing trend so there are plenty of new sustainable brands.
There are also several plastic-free options and you can create an entire play area for kids without causing any emissions or harm to the environment. This Christmas, you could invest in some sustainable yard toys for your kids to play with when the spring arrives. You can use it as an opportunity to teach them about the importance of trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Energy-efficient heater
It can be a bit of a challenge to find energy-efficient outdoor heating solutions. Look for products with a high Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio (SEER) rating as these are more eco-friendly. If you are going to spend more time outdoors during the winter, you could bridge the gap between your yard and your house with a patio extension.
There are plenty of options to make your yard more livable during the cooler months. A winter garden or a greenhouse is a lovely way to marry together the interior and exterior of your home. It will also add value to your home.
Wildlife-friendly yard
If you want a more eco-friendly home, you should take care of the local wildlife in your yard as well. During the winter months, many animals and birds will be hibernating or need feeding.
You could set up bird feeders made from recycled materials such as a simple plastic water bottle. You can also make your own bird feed. Maintain the habitats of other small animals and even grubs. Leave logs and piles of leaves in areas of your yard for nesting. You might even spot some new critters come round for a visit.
The fall is the perfect time of year to spend the last few warm days in the garden. There are plenty of upgrades you can make to turn it into an ecological haven.
With regards to your home, always try and find the most sustainable solution when making renovations to both your interior and exterior. Consider moving towards more zero-waste habits as well and alternative energy solutions. With a few changes, bit by bit, you’ll have a more eco-friendly household.
