Are you looking to save make your home a little more environmentally friendly? There are a number of simple changes you can make to give your home a green makeover. In addition to doing something good for the environment, these home renovations can help you save money on your energy bills. That’s a win-win for home owners, so be sure to consider all of these green home renovation ideas.

Heat and Cool Your Home More Efficiently

Heat and Cool Your Home More Efficiently
Almost 50 percent of home energy consumption comes from heating and cooling, so every step you can take to reduce the energy required to keep your home at a comfortable temperature makes a big impact. If you want to make your home more efficient, this the best place to start. There are lots tasks involved, but the good news is that they’re all quite simple and can be completed in just a single day. Here’s how to reduce your home’s energy usage for heating and cooling:

  • Keep your furnace and air conditioner in good shape. Change filters regularly and keep outdoor units clear of debris. Have an HVAC expert visit once per year to check the equipment.
  • Get a programmable thermostat. Avoid wasting energy by programming different settings for when you’re at work, at home, or asleep.
  • Block leaks in your home. Whether it’s adding foam sealant near your baseboards or just placing a rolled-up towel across the bottom of your door, there are a number of easy ways to keep outside air from getting inside and conditioned air from leaking out.

Get Low-Flow Bathroom Fixtures

Get Low-Flow Bathroom Fixtures
We all use water frequently in our homes without thinking much about how much actually goes down the drain. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to switch out your current fixtures for low-flow options. These faucets, shower heads, and toilets are designed to use less water by dispensing it at a slower rate or in smaller quantities. For example, a low-flow shower head may use 1.5 or 2 gallons per minute instead of 2.5 gallons per minute. A low-flow toilet, on the other hand, may use 1.2 gallons per flush instead of 3.5 gallons per flush.

Most people can tackle several faucet and shower head replacements in a single day. If you want to replace your toilet with one that’s more efficient, you may need help from a plumbing expert. Making these changes is a great way to reduce your water usage every day.

Install Eco-Friendly Lighting

Install Eco-Friendly Lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs were the standard for homes for decades, but LED and CFL lighting are now the most popular option for homeowners. In addition to lasting longer, LED and CFL bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. They cost a little more upfront but more than make up for it in savings from reduced energy usage and fewer replacements.

Spend an afternoon changing out your home’s light bulbs with energy-efficient CFL and LED bulbs to make your home greener.

Make a positive change in your home today by following through with one of these green home renovations. In just one day, you can do something good for the environment and help reduce your energy bills.