With homeowners becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues, many remain steadfast in their commitment to improving the sustainability of their homes. Environmentally friendly upgrades are just as good for your health as for the planet. Sustainable home features also help you save money on utility bills by lowering energy consumption. Here are nine green home upgrades and features you can consider investing in:

1. Energy-Efficient Appliances

Appliances consume energy and installing efficient models is an excellent place to start. ENERGY STAR-rated appliances meet today’s efficiency requirements, cutting emissions, energy and utility costs. 

For example, a refrigerator over 15 years old could cost you $80 annually. These appliances use 35% more energy than an ENERGY STAR-certified model. The most efficient refrigerators are 16-20 cubic feet with a top freezer, fewer doors and lower global warming potential refrigerants.

However, a refrigerator isn’t the only appliance you can upgrade for greater energy efficiency. Consider investing in a more eco-friendly dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and dryer, ceiling fan or cooktop equipment. You can even replace old computers and televisions with newer, energy-saving models. 

2. Insulation

Do you frequently run your heating and cooling system during peak weather? If so, it may be time to add new insulation. Insulation improves indoor comfort by keeping warm air locked inside and cold air out in the winter. During the summer months, it’ll prevent cooler air from escaping. 

Insulation also reduces indoor humidity, helps cancel noise pollution from outside and reduces allergens, dust and pests. This is especially important if someone in your household has asthma or another respiratory condition.

Redoing the insulation in your floors, walls, attic and basement comes with an average 76% return on investment of $2,000, which is appealing to potential buyers, if you’re planning to sell your home. 

3. LED Lighting

Light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs are the most energy-efficient lighting options for your home — they have an estimated efficiency of 80%-90%. 

LEDs are better for the environment and for you. Even if you ran an LED eight hours daily, you wouldn’t have to change it for about 20 years. This reduces waste. LEDs are also recyclable and contain no hazardous toxins. 

Furthermore, these newer light bulbs emit less heat, improving indoor temperatures for more comfortable living. LEDs also better illuminate specific areas than fluorescent lights.

4. Smart Home Technology

According to market trends, 57% of Americans will own a smart home device by 2025. While many households already have voice assistants, smart televisions and smart speakers, there are numerous other technologies you can purchase to build your smart home, including:

• Automated lights, sprinklers and blinds.
• Smart heating and cooling systems.
• Smart home security.
• Smart doorbells and door locks.

Smart thermostats, in particular, can save you 8% on utility bills by utilizing motion sensors for room occupancy, customizable schedules – for example, turning on when you get home from work — and smartphone control.

Many smart devices also come with automation features, automatic shut-off and real-time insights to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.

5. Rooftop Solar Panels

If you feel like you’re seeing solar power everywhere, you’re not imagining things. Advancements in renewable technologies have allowed for solar-lit biking paths, floating solar power farms and solar-powered transit. In fact, today’s solar-electric buses decrease diesel consumption by 10 liters daily due to sustainable changes in green transportation.

Of course, rooftop solar remains highly popular, as homeowners take advantage of federal tax credits and incentives to offset costs. These panel systems are worth it for your health and the environment since they don’t produce greenhouse gas emissions or other air pollutants. This helps mitigate climate change and prevents respiratory conditions from poor air quality. 

They also offer a reliable, consistent power source during outages. For instance, solar panels can keep your air conditioning, lights and refrigerator running if a major summer storm blows through.

6. Water-Conserving Fixtures

Consider how often you use the bathroom daily — multiply it by how many household members there are. Older toilets use up to 6 gallons of water per flush, significantly affecting water waste. 

Newer WaterSense-labeled models use only 1.28 gallons per flush — 20% below federal requirements. These toilets are certified by third parties to ensure optimal performance and water-saving capabilities. 

You should also consider swapping out faucets and shower heads to conserve water in your home. Like toilets, these features should carry the WaterSense certification. 

7. Double- or Triple-Pane Windows

Air leaks, condensation and higher utility bills are a good indication your windows need replacing. In fact, 25%-30% of energy consumption from heat gain and loss occurs through windows.

Energy-efficient models comprise insulated double- or triple-paned glass to create a thermal barrier and regulate indoor air temperatures. Low-E glass coatings also reflect ultraviolet rays to prevent strong sunlight from warming your house.

If your existing windows are relatively new or don’t show signs of problems, replace the weatherstripping to improve their efficiency. 

8. Geothermal Heat Pumps

Temperatures remain 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 feet below the Earth’s surface, making it conducive for geothermal heating. Geothermal heat is considered the cleanest, most reliable home energy source. It transfers the ground’s warmth into the home through a loop. The heat then circulates throughout the pipes and flows back into the ground with a water mixture. 

A geothermal system transfers heat in the winter and reverses itself in the summer for a regulated and comfortable indoor air temperature. Some households use geothermal energy to heat their water or power their homes.

Geothermal heat is renewable and decreases air pollution. Although the upfront costs are high, you can tap into the federal tax credit for energy efficiency upgrades to bring the price down. Likewise, homeowners start saving money on heating and cooling immediately. 

9. Native Landscaping

While there are numerous sustainable home features to add to the interiors, you should also remember to address the exterior property. Adding native plants to your yard is one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do as a homeowner.

Native plants are acclimated to the climate and soil where they occur naturally. They attract and feed several pollinator species, including bees, butterflies and birds, as well as provide habitats for smaller animals. 

Because they require little maintenance and pest control, you can conserve water from less irrigation and avoid using toxic pesticides. Additionally, native plants sequester CO2 and prevent soil erosion. 

A More Sustainable Home One Green Feature at a Time

Whether you make minor changes, like replacing your light bulbs, or opt for major insulation upgrades, countless home features benefit you and the environment. Assess your home’s energy efficiency needs to determine the best approach to greener living.