There’s some good news in the fight against climate disaster – many of the changes that support Mother Earth are also greener for your wallet. The right high ROI home improvements can improve your living space and increase the value of your investment while lowering your utility bills and carbon footprint.
Which problems you choose to tackle will depend on your needs, budget, and DIY savvy. Here are six ways you can heal the planet and save money with home improvements.
1. Painting
While spray painting may not seem to have a huge impact on your carbon footprint, it does. Light-colored paint reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing heat, reducing the need for air conditioning in warmer climates. This rule applies to your exterior color choices as well as your interior decor, especially in rooms with sliding glass doors or large picture windows.
Best of all, painting is one of the lowest-cost home improvements you can tackle and still get an impressive 107% ROI. Start with a room and hone your skills before moving on to more advanced projects. Exterior painting may require a contractor, although those with single-story homes may have the right paint sprayer for the task. Always wear a hard hat and have a second person present when performing ladder work, and contact a professional if a scaffold is required.
2. Add insulation layer
This is another relatively inexpensive, high ROI improvement that can help the planet, especially if your home has an uninsulated garage, basement, crawl space, or attic. These places consume energy. Fortunately, you can usually DIY this type of installation with the right protective gear.
Installing insulation on interior walls is trickier. You may need to drill holes to blow it in, and work around electrical boxes and pipes. If you’re unsure, call a professional. A well-insulated home can save up to 15% on utility bills, and it also makes your home quieter—a great selling point.
3. Upgrade doors and windows
Another common point of energy loss in a home is through doors and windows. An easy way to insulate your garage is to upgrade your door – you can often recoup up to 85% of your initial investment cost when you sell.
Drafty windows may need to be replaced or simply caulked. However, upgrading from a single-panel to a newer double-panel model can save 24% on energy costs in the winter and 18% in the summer. Entry doors usually only need new weatherstripping to block drafts, although upgrading to steel can improve security while providing better insulation than wood.
4. Improve your outdoor living space
In August, blinds aren’t the only way to prevent the sun from turning the room near your south-facing picture window into a furnace. A carefully planted row of cypress trees or similar tall hedge-like trees can enhance your privacy while dimming light and reducing the need for air conditioning. Likewise, they can act as windbreaks if cold air usually blows from the same direction.
A garden can beautify your outdoor living space and provide a use for compost from all your food scraps. In addition, rain gardens can prevent water from entering your basement, saving you a lot of money on cleaning supplies, which may increase your carbon footprint. If you want to further green your home, consider using a rainwater collection system in your landscaping to direct it where you want it instead of letting it wash away.
5. Upgrade your lighting
Upgrading your lighting is as easy as replacing your old light bulbs with better models. If you have 40 light bulbs in your home, today’s LEDs can save you nearly $750 per year.
But why stop there? Today’s LED strip lights allow you to add lighting under cabinets without having to do a lot of wiring. Highlight your entertainment center and choose color-changing strips to set the mood. Doing so made a lasting impression during home screenings.
6. Switch to solar power
If you plan to stay in your home for the next few years, this upgrade provides the best return on investment. Jamie Haenggi, president of ADT Solar, said most solar systems pay for themselves within six to 12 years. Additionally, home buyers are willing to pay $15,000 more for a home with this upgrade.
Congress also recently expanded solar tax credits. Think strategically, crunch the numbers and consider bringing your electric bill (mostly) to the curb while minimizing your home’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Sustainable home improvement with high return on investment
Making the right home improvements can increase the value of your property, thereby improving your return on investment. They can also enhance your enjoyment of living there and keep more green in your wallet.
Best of all, many of these improvements are DIY and save you labor. All it takes is a little bit of insight, a little time, and a small initial investment to make a huge difference to your home and your planet.
About the Author
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of Modded and writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter @TMModded Get regular updates on his work and subscribe to Modded Minute to learn more!
