Building a greener and more eco-friendly town is an integral part of reducing our carbon footprints.
By making small changes to our homes, we can save both money and the surrounding ecosystems. Many of the improvements we are going to discuss in this post can be done at little or no cost and take very minimal effort/time. In addition to these, we are going to list a few larger improvements that will require a higher upfront investment, but equate to greater long-term savings. Follow along below to discover the ways that you can make your Comox Valley houses more sustainable!
Budget-Friendly Ways to Make Comox Valley Houses Eco-Friendly
Limit & Properly Dispose of Waste
Limiting and properly disposing of waste is a great way to start improving your household’s sustainability. It’s also a hands-on way to educate kids about the importance of local waste management. Consider creating an area in your home that is dedicated to the separation of waste. This could be under your kitchen sink, in the garage, or in another convenient location. Make sure you have the appropriate recycling bins (glass, plastic, paper/cardboard), waste bins, and compost bins. Happy separating!
Research Rebates
Are you considering making energy-efficient upgrades to your home? Investing in solar panels or energy-efficient appliances can be costly at first. However, the government offers rebates to help offset these initial expenses. Take the time to do some research and see if you qualify for financial assistance in making your sustainable upgrade. It’s a positive step in the right direction towards a more eco-friendly home.
Xeriscape Your Home
The typical landscape in our yards usually revolves around a lush, green lawn, which is undeniably appealing and ideal for children’s playtime. However, it’s crucial to recognize the detrimental impact of grass on the environment. Maintaining a vibrant green lawn demands an astonishing amount of water and care, which is further exacerbated by water restrictions in Comox Valley that often render our lawns beige for a significant portion of the year. To address this, we strongly recommend embracing xeriscaping – a form of landscaping that emphasizes the use of native plants and eliminates the need for grass. By making this switch, not only will you reduce your water bill, but you will also contribute positively to the land.
Use a Clothesline
Opt for the traditional method of air-drying your laundry outdoors whenever weather permits. While this practice has been utilized for generations, its benefits in reducing energy consumption and saving money remain relevant today. Though it may not always be feasible due to weather conditions, making a habit of hanging your clothes to dry in the fresh air can lead to noticeable reductions in your household’s energy usage and contribute to cost savings over time.
Luxury Upgrades to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Invest in Quality Windows
Poor windows are notorious for causing loss of heat in our homes. This is especially true for those who live in an older home with single-pane windows. Leaky windows can cause you to spend thousands of dollars more on your monthly heating and cooling bills without even knowing. If you want to cut back on energy loss, start by resealing your windows. If you find that this doesn’t make much of an impact, consider replacing your windows with more energy-efficient ones.
Consider Solar
Nowadays, many property owners are switching to solar energy. New technologies have made solar much more accessible to homeowners looking for a greener way to live. Implementing solar energy in your home will drastically reduce the amount of electricity you consume. And, you’ll make your home sustainable since it will be running primarily on clean energy. Many companies offer rebates for solar, so be sure to look into this prior to investing!
Switch out Your Appliances
In one home, there are several appliances that are used on a daily basis. For instance, a refrigerator, freezer, oven, HVAC system, dishwasher, washer and dryer. The amount of energy required to operate these appliances on a daily basis is considerable. If you truly want to cut back on energy bills, investing in energy-efficient appliances is a must. Look for Energy Star appliances if you choose to make the switch. However, it is important to not throw away aging appliances that still work—this defeats the purpose of being environmentally friendly. Instead, see if you can find new homes for your appliances when they’ve exceeded their use.
Ready to make your real estate dreams a reality? Contact the Rick Gibson Group today with all your questions and turn that vision into a vibrant, sustainable home in the picturesque Comox Valley.