Green homes are the future and in Cleveland, more and more homeowners are transforming their houses into eco-friendly abodes. Take Shaker Heights, for example. In 2018, it was recognized as having the greenest neighborhoods. What did Shaker Heights locals do make their homes eco-friendly? Here are some of the changes they made.
- Install solar panels.
Having access to clean and sustainable energy is a step towards the right direction. If you want to gradually introduce green changes to your home, start by installing solar panels.
There are many benefits to using solar energy. For one, this will help you keep energy costs low. Solar panels convert a significant chunk of the energy they store during the day into electricity.
Solar panels are quite pricey, but costs are steadily going down. Moreover, the effect it has on your electricity bill and the overall carbon footprint of your home make solar panels an eco-friendly home essential.
- Make your windows more energy-efficient.
Improving your home’s insulation is another great way to turn it into an eco-friendly sanctuary. Start by improving your house’s windows.
There are a couple of things you can do. If you have an older home with windows that haven’t been replaced, take care to seal these windows properly. Upgrading window frames to ones that have a Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) label will also help.
It can be cold in Cleveland, and double-glazed windows can help you keep your home nice and toasty. Additionally, double-glazed windows help reduce outside noise and indoor condensation.
Another window improvement to consider is the installation of energy-efficient film. Window film helps block harmful UV and infrared rays. It also helps in reducing the effects of heat gain, conduction, and convection in your home. During the summer, window film will also keep your home relatively cool.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.
Earlier, we touched on providing a source of clean energy for your home. Now, it’s time to talk about upgrading your appliances. After all, reducing energy consumption also plays a big role in creating an eco-friendly abode.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to replace all of your appliances. Start with those that use the most power, such as air-conditioning, water heaters, lights, and the refrigerator. Air-conditioning uses about 15 percent of a home’s total electricity use, while space and water heaters eat up about 14 percent and 12 percent, respectively. In Cleveland, those figures are likely to increase especially during winter.
Fortunately, it’s easier nowadays to identify energy-efficient appliances. As a rule, look for appliances with the Energy Star sticker, which certifies they comply with Energy Star’s regulations.
Furthermore, only buy the appliances that are enough to meet the household’s needs. For instance, don’t buy a large two-door refrigerator if there are only two people in the home. If your house already has a well-maintained heating system (such as boilers and furnaces, both popular in older homes), there is no need to purchase a space heater.
Let’s do our part to care for the environment
Looking for more tips on how to live green? Click here. Cleveland real estate also has green homes for sale. Contact me today at michellemcquade(at)howardhanna(dotted)com or 440-823-2448 to find the eco-friendly home that’s perfect for you.