# Green Home Improvement Investments

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/05/green-home-improvement-investments/
- Published: 2018-05-17T00:55:56-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

If you are planning to make some changes to your home, then a green home is the 
way to go. And if not, then it is time to consider some green home improvement as
it is more than just making your home more comfortable, it is an investment and 
here is why.

Energy-efficient, eco-friendly or green home features are significantly demanded
in the construction industry. Changes like these will save you more money in the
long run, and at the same time, the value of your home will increase. Competing 
with new homes on the market is tough, so make sure your home is up to date with
the latest green technology.

**1. LED lights**

![Phillips Endura LED](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/
02/image13.jpg?resize=135%2C180&quality=52&ssl=1)

Changing the lighting in your [home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/green-lighting-press-for-green-guide-goes-further-web-bound/)
is the most straightforward energy-efficient / green home improvement. This is quick
and easy to do yourself as all it takes is to replace the old light bulbs with compact
fluorescent light bulbs or LEDs. Smart lights can also be installed.

**2. Windows**

![Top Green Things for Windows, energy efficient windows](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/wpid-wp-1422571473283.jpeg?resize=270%2C174&quality
=52&ssl=1)

[Energy star rated windows](https://www.energystar.gov/products/building_products/residential_windows_doors_and_skylights/key_product_criteria)
with high-efficiency will help you lower your energy bill. It your energy bill that
your energy bill can become 12 percent lower.

**3. Insulation**

By sealing the air leaks in your home, you are reducing the need for heating and
cooling which leads to a lower annual energy bill. Your energy bill can decrease
by 10 percent if your home is adequately insulated in the right areas. Insulation
placed in the attic and basement, and further installations can even be made throughout
the house in the walls and floors if you wish to go that far. Remember that adding
weather-stripping and caulking will make sure the efficient work of the insulation
installations, so make sure to plan a combo of these installations.

**4. Front Door**

Just like your windows, your front door can also be made energy-efficient. For example,
old, wooden doors are not much energy-efficient, and you can replace them with secure
steel doors. In this way, you are making your home more eco-friendly. Upgrading 
your front door which adds to the homes curb appeal can also attract potential buyers
if you plan to sell the house.

**5. Landscaping**

Many homeowners see landscaping as a cosmetic appeal only, when in fact the right
landscaping can add some [green value](https://www.totalmortgage.com/blog/borrower-tips/good-landscaping-can-add-10-15-to-the-value-of-your-home/21677)
to your home as well. Trees will give shade while the overall landscape, including
scrubs, trees, and flowers will help your home keep cooler during the summer. Nature
offers a cooling breeze with the help of the landscape that reaches the house, allowing
it to cool down.

**6. Water Heaters**

![High Efficiency Water Boilers are a great way to save energy](https://i0.wp.com/
greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/image13.jpg?resize=199%2C174&quality
=52&ssl=1)

Water heaters should only older than ten years. If it is time to replace yours, 
then consider installing a tankless water heater which heats the water only when
it is needed. In this way, you are not consuming energy while holding gallons of
water at a set temperature for hours. These tankless water heaters do not use so
much power and can save a lot of money in the long run, and you can even recoup 
the money spent on the tankless water heater.

**7. Big Investments**

If your roof is old and needs an upgrade, you should consider installing an [eco-friendly roof](https://www.southshoreroof.com/green-roofs/).
There is much eco-friendly roofing material available to choose from. Cool roofs,
for instance, will help prevent the temperature rising in a home where the summer
heat is high. By installing a cool roof or heat absorbing roof, you will cut down
on your cooling bills. Therefore, you are saving money in the long run. Living roofs
have many green factors, and they are physically green which can add some charm 
to your home. If you decide you want to live off the grid, then you can install 
solar panels which will let your home produce energy for you, depending on the area
you live.

**Final Thoughts**

Making these green improvements to your home is indeed a significant investment.
If you do not have the budget to do it all at once, it is best to start with the
less expensive changes first. As you save money along the way, you can invest in
more significant eco-friendly improvements. In time your home will be energy-efficient,
and its value will rise for sure.

![Author matthew james](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2018/05/image-2.jpg?resize=388%2C387&quality=52&ssl=1 "image-2 - The Green Living
Guy")

**_Author: Matthew James_**

_Short bio:_

Matt James is a freelance writer specialized in home improvement, smart technology,
architecture & design. He has a love of outdoors and spending time with his dog 
Cooper. You can reach him on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmatthewjames.writer)
and [Instagram](https://mattjamesblog.wordpress.com/).

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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