Much of the world will remain under quarantine for the foreseeable future, but instead of viewing home isolation as a negative, see it as an opportunity to undertake projects you have been putting off. While you are required or suggested to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, use the time to create and improve your home. A somewhat unexpected result of mass quarantine is that we are seeing environmental improvements around the world. Sealife is returning to Venice canals, and the air quality has vastly improved in major cities like Mumbai. People are seeing first hand the difference in our natural world when humans reduce their impact. Use this as inspiration to renovate your home with eco-friendly methods.
Larger Projects
If you have a lot of time on your hands, consider undertaking a more substantial home improvement project. These projects require more time, money, and effort than tasks you can accomplish in a day, but the pay off from these projects makes them worth the hassle. From replacing your home heating system to investing in solar solutions, these projects will significantly impact your home while making it more environmentally friendly.
Home Heating Solutions
You usually do not get to choose your home’s heating system when you buy it, but you can change it after the fact. Many homes still use outdated heating systems that are inefficient and ineffective compared to newer systems. You may not be aware of how many options you have when it comes to different styles of home heating systems. High-efficiency propane home heating systems take the prize for low cost and high comfort, but a hybrid pump-furnace system wins for the lowest emissions. The home heating system you choose should suit your unique needs, and thankfully, you have plenty of options to choose from.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the most eco-friendly technologies you can add to your home. Whether you commit to roof-mounted solar panels, solar water heater, or portable solar generator, adding solar energy helps lower your household’s carbon footprint. You can use a solar panel calculator to determine if solar panels make sense for your home, but do not rule out other sources of solar energy. Solar heated water tanks use either electric, propane, or natural gas backup systems, so you are never without hot water even if the sun isn’t shining. Solar generators are popular with campers who need to charge small devices on the go, but larger solar generators can even power a refrigerator. No matter your needs, there is a solar energy solution for you.
Smaller Improvements
If you can’t take on larger renovation projects, try tackling smaller improvements instead. These changes may not result in massive changes by themselves, but by combining a handful of smaller projects, you can make your home more environmentally friendly.