How Can My Home Be More Eco-Friendly?
To benefit the environment and your wallet, take steps to make sure your HVAC is working properly, get an energy audit, and seal leaks and cracks.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Making your home more eco-friendly is a win-win – it benefits the environment and your wallet. And it certainly comes in handy as we approach the hottest days of the year.
Here are some top tips to make your home more eco-friendly.
Check your HVAC
Don't skip your HVAC tune-up this spring, and if you are in the market for a new system, you might consider a heat pump or a geothermal unit. A heat pump can reduce your energy consumption by 50%, making it one of the most impactful eco-friendly swaps. You can also replace a traditional system with a geothermal one. Geothermal heat pumps require a lot of yard space and a higher upfront cost, but they are a very efficient way to heat and cool your home.
Improve your appliances
If your appliances are reaching the end of their life, it might be time to upgrade. Newer models are likely to use noticeably less energy. I recommend looking for Energy-Star-certified appliances to find the models with the best energy savings.
Pay attention to the small stuff
Eco projects don't have to be big. Consider switching to low-flow toilets or faucets to reduce your water consumption. For an even easier swap, replace your traditional light bulbs with LED versions. It's also a good idea to replace any outdoor lighting with solar-panel versions. All these small drops in electrical usage will add up over time.
Seal leaks and cracks
Few things are more eco-friendly than making the best use of the energy you're already using. You can preserve energy with some simple steps at the beginning of the season. Cracks and leaks around windows, doors, foundation and ducts can make your HVAC system work overtime and waste hot or cold air. Apply weatherstripping or caulk in gaps around doors and windows. Inspect what ductwork you can see for any holes; even a one-inch hole in a duct will waste a significant amount of energy.
Get an energy audit
A professional home energy audit will identify where energy is being consumed and where energy is being wasted, such as air leaks or thin insulation behind the walls. A good energy auditor will provide a full written report of problem areas and recommendations for repairs.
Generate your own energy
If you want a project with a long-lasting impact, consider adding solar panels. If you're on a budget, start with a few panels, and then you can add more later. Once your solar panels are paid off, they will significantly decrease your expenses. Solar energy can lower or even eliminate energy bills; when you generate more energy than you use, it gets passed back onto the grid and you're compensated for it via net metering. You can also get significant state and federal tax credits for installing a solar system. Depending on your region, a wind-based or small hydroelectric power system can also be an effective choice.
© 2025 Ask Angi, and © 2025 Paxton Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. All rights reserved.