From Guest Blogger Lizzie Weakly: Four Greenest Home Improvement Projects

There are a lot of reasons to go green when it comes to improving your home. Green home improvements can make a difference for the environment, but they also make economic sense. Most of these improvements can save money on energy bills by increasing efficiency, and they can also significantly increase a home’s value.

Replace The Boiler

It takes a lot of energy to heat water, so a high-efficiency boiler can lead to significant savings over time. The United States Department of Energy judges boilers by the amount of energy from the power source that they can convert into usable heat. Older systems range from 56% to 70%, while modern, high-efficiency boilers can reach more than 90% efficiency. The change can reduce yearly carbon emissions for the home by as much as 2.5 tons, depending on the home’s energy source. According to some plumbing experts in Spanish Fork, water softeners may need to be installed to prevent hard water build up not only in sinks and bathtubs, but in pipes as well. A water softener can also increase the lifespan of a home boiler or hot water heater, saving you money in the long run.

Efficient Windows

Heating takes a lot of energy, but it won’t accomplish much if the heat keeps escaping. Most homes lose most of their heat through the windows, so replacing them can significantly reduce the cost of heating or cooling a home. Old windows allow energy loss through cracks and gaps between the window and the wall, and also through the window itself. Replacing old windows with new ones that offer a better fit can fix the loss through cracks, but only high-efficiency windows can reduce the loss through the glass.

Renewable Energy

Using too much energy harms the environment because most modern power plants rely on fossil fuels, but green energy is harmless. The easiest way for most people to get green energy is to generate it themselves, which can completely remove their energy bill in some cases. The most famous option is solar power, and it’s often the cheapest because many local governments offer incentives for installing it, but it is not the only choice. Wind turbines and geothermal heating can also generate power under the right circumstances. The most important step is picking a power source that can work under local conditions, so it’s usually best to consult with an expert before making the choice.

Rain Collectors

Water conversation is as important as reducing energy use. Rain water collection systems can reduce a home’s water consumption significantly, and they’re easy to set up. Basic systems are little more than barrels under gutters, but advanced collectors can attach to irrigation systems to water gardens or provide water to washing machines. Rainwater has an additional benefit in that it doesn’t need to be softened—the minerals hard water deposits are not present in rainwater.

It’s important to protect the environment for future generations. Fortunately, green home improvements often make economic sense. They’re a great way to conserve resources, and saving resources saves money.