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Improving your home’s comfort can save money and help create a sustainable future. Here are a few upgrades that benefit both your wallet and the environment.
Boost Insulation
Adding insulation to basements and attics is one of the easiest ways to cut energy use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by 18 percent. It helps maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning.
Switch Windows
Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane ones can save up to $465 annually on energy bills, according to EnergyStar, while improving comfort and reducing drafts.
Efficient Fixtures
Upgrading to WaterSense showerheads can save an average family 2,700 gallons of water annually. Reducing hot water use also saves energy—enough to power a home for 11 days, according to the EPA.
Small Changes
Upgrading insulation, windows and fixtures are small steps that lead to big savings and a healthier planet. Start today for a more sustainable and cost-effective future.
Gabriella Rossow is a Minnesota GreenCorps member, serving with the City of Edina.
