6 Eco-Friendly Home Improvements That Pay for Themselves

Home Improvement

When you think of energy efficient home improvements, it’s quite common to consider the initial expense. Yet, what many homeowners fail to realize is the return on investment. As it turns out, eco-friendly equates to budget-friendly. Homeowners who are willing to shell out the initial investment for certain improvements to their property will find that they can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars every year.

Below are a few projects that can actually put money back in your pocket.

Solar Panels

Investing in a solar panel system for your home could save you several thousand dollars per year. Statistics have shown that while the initial investment of a full solar panel system could range anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000, the savings would be instant and worth it. Homeowners who operate fully on solar power are able to save thousands per year. Not to mention, federal rebates, grants, and tax credits that make them more affordable.

Low-Flow Shower Head

Water conservation is a common issue in family homes. Installing a low-flow shower head will help you to monitor the water temperature as well as the flow of your water, therefore saving you money. A typical family of four uses approximately 21,000 gallons of water per year. Using a low-flow shower head can save you as much as $135 per year.

Programmable Thermostat

Did you know that approximately 40 percent of your energy bill is for heating and cooling? A programmable thermostat, therefore, would save you money. The thermostat will adjust the temperature in your home so that you can be comfortable while also saving money. The Environmental Protection Agency states that installing a programmable thermostat in your home can save you $180 per year.

Insulation

A poorly insulated home will reflect in your home energy costs. The insulation in your walls is there to regulate temperatures, keeping it warmer in the winter and cool in the summer. Upgrading your insulation could save you several hundred if not thousands of dollars per year on home energy costs.

Low Flow Toilets

Why stop at low-flow shower heads? When it comes to conserving water, the bathroom is one of the biggest culprits. In fact, approximately 3 cents of every dollar you spend on water is a result of your toilet. Older toilets waste a lot of water and money. However, a low flush toilet can save you approximately a few hundred on your water bill each month. Since investing in low-flow toilets does not require much, it could essentially pay for itself within a year.

New Furnace

Is your home’s furnace more than 10 to 15 years old? If so, you may want to consider getting a new one. Older models are not designed to conserve energy and therefore require a lot of power to operate. Traditional furnaces are not as efficient as others. This means they only convert a small percentage of the gas into heat. Newer furnaces that are designed for efficiency, however, are a lot more efficient. This can save you several dollars per year on your heating costs each year.

Invest in your home the right way by improving its efficiency. While some of these home improvements will require a larger investment than others, they all will pay for themselves as you live out your life in your home. When completing these home improvement projects, be sure to work with a contractor for professional installations and guaranteed savings.

Article Submitted by Community Writer.

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