Category: For the Home

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For the Home Home Winter

Weatherproofing Made Simple: 3 Ways To Protect Your Home

Extreme weather is more common than ever. In 2021 alone, there were more than 400 natural disasters. When unpredictable conditions are forecast, most of us have two main concerns: we want everyone to be safe and we want our homes to stand strong. It’s not always possible to prevent damage, but there are ways to protect your home. Here are some simple ways to begin weatherproofing this winter. 

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How to Begin Weatherproofing Your Home

Windows and doors

As we hurtle towards winter, it’s beneficial to check the condition of windows and doors. Old, broken windows and warped frames can contribute to heat loss and they’re also likely to be more susceptible to damage if there’s a storm. Damaged windows, doors, and frames can also pose a security risk. If you live in an old house, have single glazing, or have a cracked door or window, consider replacing your doors and windows or using simple, inexpensive solutions to improve insulation. You can buy tape and seal from hardware stores to fill gaps and use draft excluders to keep warm air and prevent cold air from circulating through your living spaces. Double glazing is not cheap, but it is an investment that will save you money on your energy bills, enhance security, reduce noise and add value to your home. 

Storm protection

2021 was the third most active in history in terms of Atlantic hurricanes. If you live in an area that is vulnerable to storms, cyclones, hurricanes or tornadoes, it’s wise to take steps to protect your home and family. Check the condition of your roof regularly, invest in robust windows and doors and clear your yard to prevent flying objects from damaging your home or other buildings in the street.

If your town or suburb is an area of high risk, it’s worth getting quotes for an underground tornado shelter, which you can use to escape the elements and stay safe if there are weather warnings. Choose solid and durable materials for windows, external doors and garage doors, and address weak points as soon as possible. If you have loose or missing roof tiles, for example, seek advice from reputable roofing firms. If you leave minor issues, they often develop into more serious problems, which increase the risk of damage and cost more to remedy.

External structures and surfaces

Changes in weather conditions can take their toll on the exterior of our homes. From patios, decks, and fences to porches and facades, it’s advantageous to weatherproof external structures before winter sets in. Apply a coat of varnish to woodwork, clear gutters and drains, and use paint that offers protection against the elements. 

Weatherproofing
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Recap: Weatherproofing

Extreme weather has become more common and more and more homes are at risk of storm damage and issues caused by flooding and powerful winds. Weatherproofing is designed to enhance protection and reduce risks. Tackle weak points, such as broken windows, single glazing, and roof damage, enhance storm protection and try to make the exterior of your house more resistant to rain, ice, wind, and snow. Simple solutions like varnishing external woodwork can make a big difference. 

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For the Home Home Winter

4 Beneficial Ways to Use Your Deck During the Winter

When you spend your summer outside in the backyard having fun and enjoying BBQs with the family, it can feel bittersweet to cover all of the furniture and get everything out away for the winter months. You want to be able to use the space as much as possible, and sometimes that means ensuring that you know how to use your deck in the winter months.

Your deck might even be your favorite spot to relax in the summer and spring months. You want to do all that you can to maximize your time in that space. When you’re putting your money into new Renewal by Andersen patio doors, it’s a shame to keep them shut for the biggest part of the year! Learning to use your deck in the winter can open you up to many possibilities. Here are some of those for you below:

Use Your Deck During the Winter
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***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

How to Use Your Deck During the Winter

1. Invest in some outdoor heating

There is an energy crisis right now, meaning no one is looking to waste the heat from their home. Instead, think about adding a space heater or investing in a fire pit. It can save you a lot of energy and money at the same time. A fire pit gives you a natural, cozy source of heat to sit around together. Plus, it’s a great place to toast a marshmallow or two!

2. Install a hot tub on the deck

What a way to spend time in the great outdoors when it’s cold outside?! Getting a hot tub is a statement of luxury for some people, but imagine being ordinary folks who have one on the deck. It’s an incredible investment and it gives you a space to really enjoy yourself outdoors. 

3. Make sure that your deck has a cover

If you want to utilize the space for Halloween parties and Bonfire nights, you need a cover. There’s nothing more comfortable than spending time outside and watching the snow pile up, knowing you’re cozy and warm and the snow cannot get you!

4. Don’t forget the lights

Solar lighting is a great addition to the deck. You can make them holiday-themed when you buy the brightly lit Christmas versions of solar lighting. Lighting the decking means you can get out there at night and enjoy the crisp air with hot chocolate and friends.

Use Your Deck During the Winter
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Final Thoughts: Use Your Deck During the Winter

It doesn’t matter which way you choose to use your decking. All that matters is that it’s not going to waste for the cold months of the year. If you want to avoid losing out on your investment, it’s time to consider what you could do with yours.

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For the Home Home

Is Your Home Security Up to Par? Here are the 3 Reasons It Should Be

According to the FBI, a home is burglarized every 30 seconds in the United States. That’s 1,579,616 homes per year! That number is only increasing as time goes on. However, many people don’t report burglaries to the police. People often don’t think they will become a victim or assume their insurance will cover any damages. But what if your home got broken into and you didn’t have insurance? Or what if your insurance company refused to pay because you didn’t have a home security system? It’s essential to protect yourself and your family from becoming a statistic. 

Home Security
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Why Your Home Security Should be Up to Par

1. It deters burglars.

Burglars are looking for an easy target. They want to be in and out of your home as quickly as possible without detection. They’re more likely to move on to another target if they see that you have a security system. 60% of burglars say they would try another house if they saw signs of an alarm system. Just the presence of a security system is often enough to deter a burglar.

If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, large safes are also a great option. However, burglars will typically avoid houses with large safes because it takes too long to break into them. Even if they get the safe open, most safes have a loud alarm that will notify you and your neighbors of the break-in.

2. It protects your family.

Your family is your most valuable asset, so you must do everything you can to protect them. If a burglar manages to break into your home, a security system will notify the authorities and help ensure your family is safe. Many security systems also have panic buttons and two-way voice communication for emergencies.

In addition to protecting your family from burglars, a home security system can protect them from fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and flooding. Some security systems even come with medical alert pendants that elderly or disabled family members can wear in case an emergency occurs.

3. It saves you money.

You might not realize it, but a home security system can save you money. Insurance companies typically give up to 20% discounts for homes with security systems. They know that homes with security systems are less likely to be burglarized. If your house gets burglarized and you don’t have a security system, your insurance company may refuse to pay your claim.

Recap: Home Security

A home security system is a wise investment for any homeowner. Not only will it deter burglars and protect your family, but it can also save you money. 

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For the Home Home Winter

5 Ways to Make Your Home Winter Warm

Winter can be arduous, with the short days and cold nights, freezing water pipes, and expensive energy bills. On the other hand, winter can be cozy, especially if you can think ahead and put the pieces into place. Here are some ideas to make your home winter warm this year.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Winter Warm
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How to Make Your Home Winter Warm

Warm Colors 

Experts have studied colors for centuries, beginning when Sir Issac Newton discovered the light spectrum in his Oxford dormitory. Nowadays, colors can evoke certain emotions. For example, green indicates safety and healing, while red implies danger and strength.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to consider the colors in your home this winter. When it’s cold and icy outside, you want colors that will inspire a sense of warmth and coziness. Choose reds, yellows, oranges, and gold. You don’t have to re-paint the entire home, just an accent wall.

Cozy Lighting 

One of the best ways to make a home cozy this winter is to use lighting. Cozy lighting can be in the form of string lights, dimmer lights, twinkle lights, and paper lanterns. Sometimes you need the main light on, but not when you’re making the place cozy in the evenings and weekends. 

Using a selection of string lights, standing lamps, and dimmer lights, you can create an ambiance in gloomy corners, making them perfect for reading or watching a festive movie. If you don’t want to buy new lighting, you can change the bulbs to more efficient warmer ones.  

Use Rugs to Stay Winter Warm

Some people make wholesale changes to their homes around wintertime; they install new carpets, insulation, and heating systems; but that’s not always necessary to make your home warmer in the winter. All you have to do is introduce rugs in some rooms.

Like carpets, rugs are very comfortable and cozy; they give the rooms a sense of hominess and an atmosphere. Of course, rugs come in different textiles and colors to fit every style. Alternatively, invest in a rug cleaning to bring existing rugs back. 

Natural Elements 

The winter season might be barren outside, but there is still a lot of nature around that can help to make your home cozy and seasonal. If you enjoy a nature walk now and then, why not collect some twigs and holy for a front door wreath or create a candle holder from a log you’ve found?

Natural elements can be authentic and collected from the local environment, but they can also be manufactured products. Bringing more wood elements into the home, such as wooden coffee tables, standing lamps, and bookcases creates a warmer atmosphere for your family in the winter.    

Cozy Throws

Why would you want to be without cozy throws in the winter? Cozy throws are perfect for creating a little nest on the sofa at a moment’s notice or adding warmth to a bedspread on an extra cold night. Add in some cozy throws this winter and experience the benefits of winter warmth.  

Recap: Winter Warm

Winter is cold, but you can stay warm in your home. Being winter warm involves using cozy items to bring comfort. Do you have any other ideas? Leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

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For the Home Home Winter

4 Easy Tips To Keep You Cozy At Home This Winter

Temperatures are falling, and winter will be upon us before we know it. As cool climes and dark evenings loom large, it’s wise to think about getting your home ready. Here are some top tips to keep cozy at home this winter. 

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Cozy At Home
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How to Keep You Cozy At Home This Winter

Insulation

Insulating your home is one of the best ways to create a warmer, more comfortable environment. The goal is to boost heat retention to ensure that your living spaces stay warmer for longer. If your home loses heat quickly, it’s an excellent idea to research insulation options and get quotes.

You can explore options such as loft and cavity wall insulation online and find out about incentives. Incentives may make insulating your home cheaper. If you don’t have the funds to pay for professional insulation services, there are DIY tutorials on the Internet. You can also opt for inexpensive methods, such as filling holes in walls and door frames and using draft excludes. 

Replacement windows and doors

If you have an old house with windows and doors that have seen better days, or you have a broken window, consider adding new windows and doors to the property. Look for the best replacement window company in the local area, get quotes and explore styles and designs. Modern windows and doors are strong and secure and boost heat retention to keep your home warm. They can also save you money on your energy bills. You can choose from a range of options to suit the style of your home. 

Energy-efficient heating systems

With the increased cost of living, many of us worry about the cost of heating our homes this winter. One way to stay cozy and save money is to invest in energy-efficient heating systems. New boilers and heating systems lower carbon emissions while optimizing performance. It’s also helpful to set a thermostat so you can regulate the temperature without overspending. If you have a thermostat, the heating system will turn off automatically once your home is warm enough.

Soft furnishings

Adding soft furnishings to your home is an easy, inexpensive way to stay warm during the winter. Throws, blankets, cushions, and rugs create an inviting, cozy aesthetic, but they also have a practical function. If you’re watching TV on the couch, putting a blanket over you, resting your head on a pillow, and placing your toes on a rug will keep you toasty. Hot water bottles or bags are also ideal for keeping you warm on a budget. 

Cozy At Home
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Recap: Stay Cozy At Home

Winter is fast approaching. As the cost of living increases, it is essential to look for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank. Leave a comment and tell us some of your favorite ways to stay cozy at home during the winter.

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For the Home Home Winter

5 Easy Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Winter is around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how to get your home ready for winter. With the right planning, you can avoid some of the expensive repairs and inconveniences that happen in the colder seasons. Improve your insulation to save energy, and install carpets for warmth. 

Ready for Winter
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How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Improve Insulation 

Energy will be at a premium this winter, thanks to geopolitical events and supply issues, so it makes sense to prepare to be as frugal as possible with your winter energy consumption. Improving your insulation is one of the best ways to reduce your consumption and save money. 

Improving your insulation can be done on a large or small scale; to get the best value out of insulation, you might want to invest in spay foam or cavity wall insulation, which uses special expanding foam to fill all the nooks and crannies. Hanging heavy curtains is also very effective.  

Smart Thermostats 

Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats that allow homeowners to regulate the temperature of particular rooms at particular times; of course, this is a very useful feature if you want to save money on your energy bills through the winter; they can be pre-programmed. 

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to simply buy a smart meter from the internet and install it as a DIY job; instead, you have to contact your energy provider and request a device; an energy engineer will also have to install it for your in the home and make sure everything is connected.    

Clear the Gutters 

When it comes to preparing your home for winter, there are two main areas you want to concentrate on, heat and water. Improve your energy consumption by switching your energy plan and improving your insulation, but you also don’t want your home to suffer water damage. 

Winter follows autumn closely, which means there is a build-up of leaves in the gutters and drains, these need to be cleared out before the winter sets in. Otherwise, they can cause flooding and water damage in your home. Water damage is inconvenient and expensive.  

Install New Carpets 

If you want to enjoy a cozy winter in your home this year, consider installing new carpets. Wooden flooring might have been trending for the past few years, but it doesn’t provide the same comfort value, noise reduction, and safety value as new carpets installed for the season. 

If you have carpets in your home already, consider a high-quality carpet cleaning service instead of new carpets. If you invest in a cleaning service, you can bring your carpets back to their original condition at a lower cost. Carpet cleaning can also create a cozy winter home. 

Check the Boiler and Furnace

The last thing you want is for your heating to go down during winter. It can be inconvenient and expensive to call for a repair at short notice. Getting it checked ahead of time can save money and ensure you’ll stay warm. Double-check your furnace or boiler in the autumn and avoid heating issues when you least expect them.  

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For the Home Home Work From Home

How Can You Make Your Home Work the Best For You?

Have you been thinking about your home lately and decided that it’s not working for you right now? If that is the case, then you need to start making some changes as soon as possible. While it might not feel like a big thing, your home should be the one place in the world where you feel most safe and comfortable, but this isn’t going to happen if it’s not working for you. Down below, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that we suggest to make your homework for you, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

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How to Make Your Home Work the Best For You?

Think About Your Needs

The first thing that you’re going to need to do is to think about your needs. For example, if you have some additional needs when it comes to mobility or accessing places, this needs to be taken into account. You can look into some tips to make your home more accessible if this is the kind of path that you need to go down. Some people try to avoid this as they feel as though it’s going to be massively expensive to change their home in the way that they need, but it doesn’t have to be. Similarly, you may want professional services instead of trying DIY techniques for repairing AC units, HVAC systems, and more. So, you might as well connect with professionals; go here to know more. Knowing your needs and implementing them can work wonders for your home. You will find that there are some pretty simple ways that you can make some changes, you’ve just got to be willing to do so.

Design It How You Want It

Your Home
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Another thing that we want you to consider is how you’re going to design the home. A lot of people feel as though they can’t design a home the way that they want because it’s going to put guests off when they come in. If you’re worried about the people in your life not liking your design choices, then we highly recommend not inviting these people into your home at all. Your home is your safe space and your comfortable space, which means it should be designed how you like it, not someone else.

Don’t Feel Pressured To Conform

The last thing that we want to say is that you should not feel pressured to conform to standards of design these days. For example, the minimal design is in right now, but if you’re a clutter lover then go for the clutter look. You do not have to alter what you want simply because the majority of people are choosing something else for their home. It’s your home, and that means you do what you want, without the pressure of other people weighing in.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Home Work the Best For You?

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to make your home work for you. It’s important that you are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure that you’re making your home work for you as best you can, by whatever means necessary. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you find your home better suited to your needs sooner rather than later.

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For the Home Home

6 Easy Ways to Transform Your Home into a Place You Love

Your home should be a place where you feel safe and happy. It’s an investment, so it’s worth your time and energy to take good care of it. You can transform your home into a place you live by following a few simple tips.

If you feel unsettled or aren’t sure how to feel about your property, you’ve come to the right place. You can create the home of your dreams with a little effort and attention to detail. Learn about six ways to transform your home into a place you love and want to stay in for a long time.

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Transform Your Home
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How to Transform Your Home into a Place You Love

1. Keep it Clean & Clutter-Free

Transform your home into a place you love by keeping it clean and clutter-free. You’ll appreciate not having a messy space and dirt and grime build-up. Commit to a regular cleaning schedule and perform a deep clean once in a while. Get rid of or donate the items you don’t need and take up space. Take the time to go through closets and boxes and remove items that are old or that you don’t need.

Renting a self-storage unit can also be a terrific solution if you are overwhelmed with clutter. You can store the items you don’t need daily to free up more space in your home. It is essential to be straightforward about what you want to keep to help you easily locate them when needed. There are several self-storage options available depending on your location. For instance, in or around California, you can find solutions like storage in Milpitas to keep your items safe.

2. Focus on the Windows

When you focus on the windows, you can also transform your home into a place you love. Start by letting in as much natural light as possible and replacing cracked, leaking, and old windows and doors with more modern and attractive options. You can contact a French door installation company today for ideas and quotes and start updating your windows and home today. Once your new and better windows are in place, consider adding shades or drapes to them for privacy and temperature control. It’s also a way to cozy up your rooms and add texture and a pop of color to them.

3. Invest in Comfortable Furniture to Transform Your Home

If you spend a lot of time in your home, you should shop around and invest in comfortable furniture that looks good and won’t hurt your back. Another idea to refresh is to move your furniture pieces around every so often for a brand new look and feel. Also, if there are pieces you like but could use a little updating, consider reupholstering them. Shop around for ideas and then try to see the furniture pieces in person to determine how comfortable they are. 

4. Paint the Walls

Transform your home into a place you love by painting the walls. Choose attractive paint colors to brighten up and liven up your rooms. The right paint color can make your home look more modern and beautiful instead of old and dated. Consider all the ways paint can transform your home besides just the walls, including painting bathroom vanities or the kitchen walls. It’s an excellent DIY project to take on if you have the time and the motivation to do it.

5. Install New Flooring

If you want to improve your home, think about installing new flooring. Transform your home into a place you love by removing carpet with stains and choosing more updated flooring options for rooms such as the living area and kitchen. Luxury vinyl planks are becoming more and more popular with homeowners and will hold up well against kids and pets.

New flooring will increase the value of your home and make it a more attractive place to live and exist. There are many choices, so do your homework and get a better idea of what styles will look best and hold up over time. Consider adding area rugs for warmth and comfort if you install hard flooring.

6. Decorate Your Spaces

You can also make time to decorate your home and spaces to help transform it for the better. Make sure it’s a place you love and appreciate by hanging colorful artwork, putting out plants and elements found in nature, and placing out throws, pillows, and area rugs.

You may also want to make your home more beautiful and cozy by having candles to light and displaying fresh flowers. Pay attention to areas with the most foot traffic, such as your entryway, the kitchen, and the bathrooms. Decorating is a fun way to add your style and taste to your home and apply your creativity.

Recap: Transform Your Home into a Place You Love

These tips can help you fall in love with your home again. You can make it into the perfect place for you and your family. Leave a comment if you have more tips to add, we’d love to hear them!

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For the Home Home Winter

3 Easy Ways to Get Your Yard Ready for Winter

Summer is coming to a close, and many of us are preparing ourselves for fall and the winter months ahead. It is a cozy time of year, and you may be starting to plan your autumnal wardrobe – packed with scarves, gloves, and wooly hats – as well as festive activities, such as pumpkin spice drinks, ice skating, winter markets, and more.

Of course, you must maintain your spaces through this change of seasons. If you have a yard, you’ve likely worked hard to care for it through the summer. But many people mistakenly neglect this space during the colder seasons, as they don’t intend to spend any time in it. It creates more work when Spring comes around and can damage or kill plants you want to keep. Here are a few things you can do to take care of your yard and prepare for the winter.

Ready for Winter
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How to Get Your Yard Ready for Upcoming Winter

Tree and Hedge Care

Different trees require different types of care throughout the year, so there’s no one size fits all solution regarding what to do with your own. Instead, research and see what the specific trees in your space will need throughout the upcoming months. Some will need to be taken back, pruned, or receive specialist care from a professional tree service. Some may be evergreen and thrive in snowy or colder conditions.

It’s essential that any loose or weak branches get removed, as strong wind or heavy snowfall could dislodge them, making them a hazard for anyone beneath them. Stay on top of your hedges, having them trimmed back as and when required.

Use Mulch

If you have hardy plants that will make it through the winter with support, or if you want to protect flowerbeds that you’ve spent a lot of time preparing and digging up, you should look into the use of mulch. Mulch is a substance you can lay over flower beds for many purposes. In the summer months, many people use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. It keeps plant roots cool or suppresses or blocks weeds. However, most people will use mulch in the lead-up – and throughout – the winter to prevent frost heaving. You can find mulch in most garden centers and through many online vendors.

Consider Winter Herbs

While we tend to see most plants bloom and grow in the summer months, some plants can thrive and prove rewarding to grow during the colder season. If you’re into growing herbs, many herbs thrive during the winter. Some popular options include myrtle, mint, sage, thyme, and parsley.

Final Thoughts: Get Your Yard Ready for Winter

These are just a few steps that should help to keep you busy during the winter months!

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For the Home Home Sustainability

4 Sustainable Home Improvements You Can Make Today

Sustainable Home Improvements

According to the Center for Sustainable Systems, a typical US household produces a carbon footprint of about 40 metric tons of carbon emissions yearly, with the main culprits being food, water, and transportation. Unfortunately, you don’t have to look too far to see the negative effects of carbon emissions on climate change, global warming, and other environmental concerns. Creating a sustainable home plays a crucial role in reducing these negative effects. Here are some sustainable home improvements you can make today. 

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4 Sustainable Home Improvements You Can Make Today

1. Consider solar energy

Consider installing solar panels on your roof or any other convenient area of your property to make good use of the sun’s natural energy. Solar energy renews itself, so you don’t have to worry about depleting it. Also, with so many advancements in line with solar technology, you’ll find many easy-to-install solar home appliances to invest in. You can find various solar alternatives, from your fans to your heating systems and lighting solutions. If you’re worried about the cost of solar panels, recent trends show that the massive growth of the solar industry has led to a more than 70% drop in the cost of solar panels in the past decade. You can also find various companies like Wayne’s Solar experienced in solar panel installation and is budget-friendly. 

2. Start composting

As mentioned earlier, food is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions. Most of this comes from food waste and leftovers. The US alone generates about 300 million tons of food and other yard waste. Instead of dumping food leftovers into the garbage disposal, add them to other yard waste to create compost for your garden. 

3. Install energy-efficient lighting 

Improving your home’s lighting is one of the easiest yet most sustainable ways to improve your home. Some studies have shown that energy-saving LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than regular bulbs. That means not only will you be doing the environment a lot of good, but you will also end up cutting down your bills by a significant amount. 

Apart from switching to LED light bulbs, there are other things you can do to reduce your energy consumption. For example, you can avoid keeping your lights on all day by taking advantage of the sunlight that filters your home throughout the day, especially during the summer. You can also consider tweaking your home’s interior color theme to make it brighter. For instance, instead of using darker colors for your walls, opt for brighter ones that reflect light. 

4. Upgrade to energy-efficient windows for Sustainable Home Improvements

Various studies have shown that a typical home loses about 18% of its energy through its windows. That means you’re not only overworking your heating and cooling systems but also spending more money on bills. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is helpful, as they lock in cool or warm air and prevent them from seeping out. But if you don’t want to change your current windows, you can always use various window treatments to reseal them and prevent energy loss.