As the temperature rises, you might be thinking about making changes to your home and yard. As some parts of the country experience droughts and other weather issues, making upgrades to your home that are environmentally conscious can be good for the environment and for your energy bill. Whether you are moving into a new home, or are making changes to upgrade the home you are currently in, these are small updates that can make a big difference.
Use rainwater for watering
Depending on where you live, you may be able to use rainwater as a surprising resource to keep your yard hydrated. Collecting rainwater could be as easy as putting a barrel in your backyard, and then transferring that water to your plants, or for big cleaning jobs like washing your car or pressure washing windows. If you want to go to the next level with this upgrade, you can incorporate a system that takes this rainwater and then uses a system to distribute it to your yard, through irrigation. This can be especially useful if you have a large yard. Collecting rainwater will reduce your water bill and is a conscious choice for the environment.
Help your yard withstand the seasons
Some plants require more maintenance than others and if you want to spend less time gardening, native plants can be best. Native plants will not only require less yard maintenance but they will also better support natural habitats for bees and other insects. Adding rock gardens, succulents, or mulch will also mean less watering, depending on where you live. If you are updating your yard, talking to your local nursery about the best native plants for your climate can be a step in the right direction for a more environmentally conscious yard.
Trade air conditioning for fans
If humidity and high temperatures are expected in your city or town this summer, then you may be preparing to have your air conditioner on all summer long. However, a better way is to cut down on energy costs and stay cool by adding ceiling fans to your home. Ceiling fans can appeal to potential home buyers as a bonus to keep a home temperature controlled. Because you are using less energy, fans are another choice that is good for the environment and for your wallet at the end of the month.
Update your appliances
If you are living in an older home chances are your appliances are not as energy-efficient as they could be. Your energy bill’s biggest spenders are your dishwasher and refrigerator, and these are the appliances worth replacing first. Energy Star appliances meet energy efficiency requirements from the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy and have the double benefit of reducing your energy bill. Any upgrade to the latest model is likely to lead to energy savings.
When you are thinking about upgrading your home, keeping the environment in mind can be a way to save money and do your part to protect the earth’s natural resources.