15 DIY Eco-friendly Home Improvement Ideas

THAT YOU SHOULD BE PRACTICING!

While making plans in redecorating and improving your home, why not consider some environment-friendly ideas? The state of the Earth won’t improve if we don’t do our part, and one of the ways we can help is making and sustaining a green home that we can pass down to our kids.

Here are 15 green and great home improvement ideas that you can start doing today:

Here are 15 green and great home improvement ideas that you can

start doing today:

#1 Stop Leaks

Leaking pipes are on top of the list of things that make you waste water, so check this off that list immediately. Check out all your pipelines, but don’t stop there. Check out window and roof leaks as well. These leaks could also lead to more energy consumption. For your roofs, you can contact a roofing contractor to better check your roof for any leaks.

#2 Switch Your Bulbs

The easiest and quickest way to have a greener home is to simply change your light bulbs into fluorescent or LED ones. If you can’t afford to change all of them at once, you can change one every time the bulb needs replacement.

#3 Install Fiberglass Windows

Fiberglass windows come from recycled materials and are highly resistant to water. They’re also very durable and are airtight, meaning you don’t have to worry about air leaks in your rooms. They’re also quite easy to install. Inquire about DIY fiberglass windows when you’re about to do window installation.

#4 Recolor Your Roof

Did you know that by changing the color of your roof, you can actually decrease your attic or home temperature? When talking to your roofing contractor, ask about white tiles, or other light-colored tints for your roof.

#5 Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat would probably be one of the best and quickest solutions you can do for a greener home. It lets you set the heating and cooling schedule so you don’t waste money and energy when there’s no one around the house.

#6 Get An Outdoor Motion Detector

Similar to the above-mentioned thermostat, motion detectors on your exterior siding will greatly help in your energy consumption. Lights outside would turn on when you’re outside, and will automatically turn off without your presence. It could also serve as an added security measure for your home.

#7 Have Bamboo Floors

Bamboo is naturally resistant to mold, water and warping, which actually makes it a great material for flooring. It’s very durable and easy to clean. Bamboo also has a great finish that lasts a long time, so it’s perfect.

#8 Get Energy Star Certified

When changing your heating or cooling system, make sure you get one that is Energy Star certified and nothing else. This certification ensures that the system you’re using is environment-friendly and consumes much less energy, while quality does not suffer. These systems are highly-efficient and come at decent prices.

#9 Insulate Your Home Properly

Have an expert or a roofing contractor take a look at your home for insulation checks. There are a lot of ways that you can insulate your house easily and use green, organic materials in the process. Examples of insulation options are cotton, wool, or even recycled newspaper.

#5 Get a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat would probably be one of the best and quickest solutions you can do for a greener home. It lets you set the heating and cooling schedule so you don’t waste money and energy when there’s no one around the house.

#10 Install Solar Panels

You can easily buy solar panels and install them in your home. Opt for used solar panels, because these cells could work easily up to 20 years of use so there’s no problem getting old ones. Plus, they’re way cheaper than new ones.

#11 Change Your Showerhead

Shop for low flow showerheads, especially if you’re renting out a place. This makes you save up on your water consumption and energy costs as well.

#12 Find Some Recycled Carpet

Looking for a new mat to dress up your floor? Consider recycled carpet. There is a whole host of possible organic and eco-friendly materials out there for your carpet. They also have an array of designs and colors so your house theme doesn’t need to suffer even if you’re turning eco-friendly.

#13 Find Recycled Countertops As Well

While you’re at it, try looking for some recycled countertops as well? Stone and marble are amazing materials, but recycled glass can be just as tough and as beautiful as these. Paper with natural resin is another popular choice for countertops.

#14 Use Non-Toxic Paint

While you’re repainting your exterior siding and your roof, make sure you use nontoxic and eco-friendly paint. They’re easily available in the market. This special paint helps minimize air pollution and reduce contaminants in the air. You can also use them on your window siding during your window installation.

#15 Plant Some Greens

Last but not the least, have a few trees and shrubs around your house. They help maintain a cooler and healthier environment for your home. They could also serve as windbreaks, which could help ease the energy loss.

Vasilie KukhartchukVasilie K. is a home design and home improvement contractor in Massachusetts. He is the owner of Major Home Improvements and he believes every home owner deserves the best services they could afford. Visit their website for more details!