According to the National Solar Jobs Census, the U.S. now has almost 250,000 people working in solar jobs. The industry shows no signs of slowing down, so you might want to consider hopping on the bandwagon before innovation leaves you in the dust.
However, solar power is only one way to help you design a sustainable home. Thankfully, there are many easy steps you can take to reach your energy goals and help the environment.
Are you ready to become part of the solution? Continue reading for tips and tricks to transform your home into a planet-saving model that your neighbors can emulate.
1. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are a great way to make the most of your environment while conserving energy. If you’re living in an area with year-long sunshine and reduced shade, then solar panels make for a smart investment.
With the right home solar installation plan, you can store away the sun’s rays for night heating, reducing energy costs. Going green doesn’t get any easier than this.
2. Use Proper Insulation
You can store heat the old-fashioned way by insulating your house. However, certain materials can give off toxins, so make sure you choose proper materials.
There are plenty of eco-friendly options out there. Straw, denim, and wool all serve as safer alternatives that can seal off your house from the elements. So do your research to find the best insulation materials that will protect you and the ecosystem.
3. Update Your Heating System
Besides solar energy and insulation, you can make direct changes to how your home generates heat. Incorporating mini-split pumps and wood stoves into your house provides a healthy source of heat to warm the heart of your structure.
If you want to take it to the next level, you can upgrade your boiler or furnace to a wood pellet version. This introduces cleaner energy, delivering a sustainable heating solution for your home.
4. Clean Up Your Yard
You can live every day with an environmentally friendly attitude by keeping your yard fresh. Limit the amount of fertilizer you apply to your lawn and avoid pesticides as much as possible. Fewer chemicals make for a more sustainable yard.
Another quick fix is to upgrade your mower to an electric version. This is more expensive, but you won’t have to deal with oil changes and that gasoline smell.
5. Consider a Green Roof
If you live in an apartment complex, you might want to lobby for a green roof. Green roofs are vegetation placed on top of a waterproofing system, which then goes on top of the roof.
From helping with water runoff to providing extra insulation, green roofs offset costs with a full list of benefits. They can also raise the value of your structure, especially if you’re located in an urban center with reduced plant-life.
Choose a Sustainable Home for the Common Good
Investing in a sustainable home shows you care about the environment and the communities around you. However, it also helps you in the long run too.
Saving energy means saving costs, so you have plenty at stake in the sustainability discussion. If you take the appropriate steps to make your home as energy-efficient as possible, you’ll create a winning situation for everyone.
And for more advice to help you save money and navigate the housing market, explore more posts in our Real Estate section.
