This year, homeowners are more focused on making home improvements than they are buying a new house. Changes in the housing market have led to many people opting for home improvements that increase curb appeal and add to the value of their property. 

As climate change continues to dominate headlines across the world the demand for eco-friendly products continues to grow. The home improvements sector has shifted towards eco-friendly materials and technologies as a result.

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Improvements for Your Home in 2020

This year, take advantage of the ‘green revolution’ and make improvements that can increase the value of your home, save you money on energy bills and help reduce your impact on the environment.

Here are the top 5 eco improvements for your home in 2020.

1.  Solar PV

When solar PV technology was initially made available to homeowners, it was exclusively reserved for those that could afford the expensive initial investment and installation costs. Now, solar panels are affordable and fairly cheap to install. There is also very little hassle in organizing them to be installed and the benefits are proven.
Solar panels will pay for themselves in around 7 years after installation but the homeowner is then able to get free electricity from the sun for at least another 15 years after until they need replacing. Solar panels can significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint. ​

2.  Energy Efficient Doors

Replacing your old front door is a quick and cost-effective way of improving your home’s energy efficiency. Even the smallest gap or crack in your existing door can lead to huge amounts of heat loss. This means you could be wasting a small fortune on overheating your home. 

Fortunately, you can now purchase Energy-star certified doors that that can save you as much as 10% of your energy bills to heat your home. These eco-friendly doors are able to trap heat much better than your existing ones. There are plenty of options in regards to materials, design, and colors. Ask your local builder questions on what the best choice of energy efficient door would be for your particular home. 

3.  Vinyl Windows

Windows are what make a beautiful home but they can also be inefficient and lose money. Windows have now been given an energy-efficient makeover such as vinyl windows. Not only are they cost-effective and cheap to install but they also do a wonderful job of trapping heat in your home.

A 2017 report found that vinyl windows have a 74% return on investment and are able to save you up to 12% of your energy bills once installed. Vinyl windows come in a wide range of options, colors, designs, and sizes. You will be able to find the right vinyl windows for your particular application.    

The installation of vinyl windows is also affordable and hassle-free.

4.  Non-Toxic Carpeting

Did you know that your current carpet may be toxic? A lot of carpets contain toxic chemicals known as VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are terrible for the environment, dangerous to breathe and cause all sorts of health implications like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.

The market for eco-friendly carpets has recently been blown wide open with many companies moving towards safer carpets without any VOCs. Carpets are great for comfort, noise damping and help conserve much more energy than wood or laminate flooring acting like insulation.

When shopping for a new carpet always check the label for ‘no-VOC’ or ‘low-VOC’. They shouldn’t be too hard to find and they cost no different from regular carpets. If you require an adhesive for your new eco-friendly carpet go for one that is also VOC free.

5.  Skylights

Skylights are often only ever considered as a design feature but they are actually great for conserving energy too. Did you know that 40% of your energy bills are from lighting? A skylight offers natural light into a room meaning you can keep the lights off during the day.

Skylights also allow fresh air to circulate your home reducing humidity and any mold that may grow as a result. Skylights also improve a property’s valuation and add curb appeal. Costs to have a skylight vary but the average costs have come down significantly over the last decade. Standard installation is also fairly cost-effective and could even choose vinyl windows to further boost this eco improvement and improve efficiency.    

Ensure that you purchase an Energy Star certified skylight that improves its ability to trap heat. 

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