How to make your house greener

This article is published in collaboration with The Energy Collective.

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword that five-star restaurants use to justify $30 for a piece of chicken. In fact, sustainability and ‘going green’ are so much more than just a perceived fad. Not only is energy consumption costly, but it also contributes significantly to the depletion of our ozone layer. So, where in your life can you adopt a more sustainable lifestyle?

As more than 30 percent of total U.S electricity goes to power homes, a good start is to look at your house from top to bottom and reconsider what energy choices you are making. Thankfully, it’s now easier (and cheaper!) than ever to commit to a green lifestyle and convert your home into a sanctuary of sustainability.

A Bright Idea

Many homeowners don’t give a second thought to energy when they flip on the lights after a long day. However, those little bulbs that illuminate your evening crossword puzzle are a big contributor to unnecessary energy usage. Lighting actually accounts for around 14% of total residential energy consumption, which can add up quickly.

The first step is to go through your property and switch all of your incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs. LED lights have experienced a surge in popularity the past few years and for good reason; they are one of today’s most energy-efficient lighting options. In fact, LED lights use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting.

Additionally, many companies now offer wholly automated lighting systems. This means that you can control your lights from your smart phone, tablet, or computer and monitor them from anywhere. Worried you forgot to turn off the bathroom light before you went to work? Lighting automation makes unwanted energy usage a thing of the past.

Stay Cool (and Green) 

While lighting occupies a small slice of your home’s energy pie, heating and cooling represent a whole half. So, without freezing in the winter and sweating in the summer, how can you effectively create a sustainable plan for heating and cooling?

Much like one of the solutions for your lighting costs, heating and cooling usage and costs can be tempered by embracing smart/automated solutions. Smart thermostats offer a breath of fresh air compared to ineffective, analog thermostats. These smarter thermostats are so effective because they allow you to program your schedule well ahead of time, as well as featuring remote access capabilities.

Further, when was the last time you addressed exactly where your home’s heating and cooling was going? If you have leaks in your doors and windows then you could be throwing an exorbitant amount of energy (and money) away. A simple solution is to thoroughly check for any air leaks in your property and seal them shut with a combination of caulk and weather stripping where applicable.

Walls and Appliances 

For many experts, the first thought when it comes to energy consumption is the state of your insulation; the energy savings you will see from a properly insulated property are huge. Whether you are using spray foam, cellulose or fiberglass – the fact remains the same: the better insulated your home is, the more energy efficient it becomes. Of particular note is the insulation of your current duct system, as many existing duct systems lose a lot of energy from leakage and poor insulation.

Aside from what’s inside your walls, what’s outside of them can make all the difference as well. Did you know that what type of paint is on your walls has sustainability impacts? Unused, wasted paint in the USA creates over 720,000 tons of C02e per year. This means that simply buying eco-friendly paint can help ensure you are doing your part.

Wrapping up the energy-guzzling trio of lighting and heating/cooling are your everyday appliances. Upgrading your house with new energy efficient products can make a huge difference on your energy usage. It can be hard to stomach spending an extra few hundred dollars on an energy-star branded refrigerator, but these types of products have two separate price tags: what you pay upfront, and what you pay monthly in your energy bills. Your savings can easily usurp the initial inflated costs, making energy-saving products a no brainer.

Looking Forward

With sustainable practices becoming more commonplace, quite a few exciting developments are experiencing increased attention. Landlords are even embracing green leases, which place emphasis on tenants practicing environmentally-friendly practices. Some landlords will even discount rent depending on positive energy savings from the tenant.

Lastly, the continued adoption of residential solar panels creates a wealth of opportunities for home owners. Not only can these panels heavily cut down on your carbon footprint and energy costs, but can also boost the resale value of your home. While upfront costs are still hard to swallow for many homeowners, they are constantly becoming more affordable.

With all of these methods, your home will be more sustainable and environmentally conscious in no time.

Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

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Author: Terri Engels is a green real estate agent who likes writing about climate change and its impact on our planet.

Image: Solar panels are seen on the roofs of residential houses. REUTERS/Stringer.