The looming climate crisis and all-around push toward sustainability have inspired many homeowners to make eco-conscious improvements in their houses and lifestyle. Taking steps toward green living is as easy as swapping out single-use cleaning products for refillable alternatives. Other simple switches include using beeswax wrap instead of plastic and purchasing organic mattresses like those from Essentia. Though sustainable home swaps like organic mattresses can trim down the toxins residing in your home, these eco-friendly alternatives, such as chemical-free sleeping surfaces, won’t be enough to win over eco-conscious home buyers. 

Sure, making changes to eco-friendly products reduces your personal carbon footprint, but investing in green home improvements benefits the environment and your wallet, all while giving prospective buyers the green light on your property. 

Are you ready to go green? Here are seven sustainable ways you can boost your home’s resale value. 

Install an efficient heating system 

Heating your home during the winter accounts for over 30% of your entire energy expenses. This percentage is even higher for homeowners living in cold climates. With these alarming stats in mind, replacing your outdated furnace or boiler with high-efficiency versions is the key to cutting your bill in half. Modern heating systems also allow you to program your thermostat for maximum efficiency year-round. 

Purchase water-saving fixtures 

You’d be surprised how much water an old toilet or faucet will leak. Faulty fixtures increase the risk of water damage to your home’s structure and can cause your water bill to skyrocket. By installing high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, and faucets, your home will use a lot less water and save you money in the process. 

Invest in new kitchen appliances 

The kitchen is a hub for most busy families on the go, so it’s no surprise that cooking appliances are the biggest consumer of energy in your home. Luckily, switching out energy-sucking appliances for efficient alternatives is easy and shrinks your home’s carbon footprint overnight. Look for dishwashers, fridges, and microwaves with Energy Star ratings for the best eco-friendly appliances. 

Install better windows 

Age-old windows release a considerable amount of air through unsealed cracks, meaning you are literally throwing money out the window when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Replace drafty windows with new models that are made to insulate your house during the winter and summer. High-efficiency windows will save you big bucks and become a valuable selling point to future buyers. 

Use smarter lighting 

Fluorescent bulbs are old news when it comes to lighting your home. Now, energy-efficient lighting requires a much lower wattage to illuminate your home beautifully. Consider LED bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps for maximum efficiency. 

Consider water-wise landscaping 

A lush front lawn might appear green and healthy on the outside, but it is actually a massive consumer of water. Growing and maintaining a lawn every season is an enormous cost for homeowners and a turnoff for future buyers. Instead, switch to drought-tolerant plants that are easy to care for and add curb appeal to your property. Popular water-wise greenery includes Yucca, Lavender, and the California Poppy. 

Insulate your home

Installing new windows and cooling systems does nothing if your home isn’t insulated correctly. Ensure you seal windows and doors properly, and don’t forget to insulate an unused attic space. For the best results, hire a professional energy auditor who will provide a comprehensive inspection of your home. 

Final thoughts 

With the right knowledge and preparation, becoming an eco-friendly homeowner is easily attainable. Start by switching out old appliances and systems for modern energy-efficient versions. Once you’ve made simple changes, invest in more extensive improvements like a landscape overhaul. 

Investing in green home improvements will save you big bucks in the long run and make your property more attractive to future buyers. Most importantly, becoming eco-friendly paves the way toward a sustainable future for generations to come.