Eco Friendly

As climate change and human infrastructure continue to affect the Earth, many homeowners have begun to do their part to reduce their environmental impact. Choosing eco-friendly home products and upgrades is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. 

The Basics of Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades

Eco-friendly homes are designed to use less energy and resources than traditional household systems and appliances. Besides being environmentally friendly, eco-friendly home upgrades are more energy efficient and save you money on utility bills. 

Although these upgrades can be more expensive than equipment and systems that are not rated highly for efficiency, the benefits you reap over time are well worth the investment:

  • Reduced environmental impact
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Decreased carbon footprint
  • Decreased waste
  • Improved water conservation
  • Lower energy bills
  • Healthier lifestyle for you and your environment

There are many eco-friendly improvements you can make as a homeowner. From updating your thermostat to installing solar panels on your roof, you can make dozens of upgrades to your home. Some of the most common eco-friendly improvements you can make to your home include:

  • Better home insulation
  • Energy-efficient home appliances
  • Energy-efficient HVAC system and improved airflow
  • Energy-efficient roofing materials
  • Energy-efficient windows
  • LED lights
  • Smart thermostats and technology
  • Solar panels for energy
  • Solar-powered water heaters

If you are interested in installing eco-friendly home systems, you can talk to local contractors who will help you make the best decision for your home. Whether you want more efficient heating and cooling systems or you want to replace your windows, our certified contractors are ready to make recommendations for your home.

Learn more about eco-friendly home products and upgrades from the resources below.

Upcycled hutch, turned kitty litter box, inside a home

Upcycle / Recycle: Projects and Inspiration for Your Home

Before you throw out old furniture, considers ways to upcycle it, paint it or recycle it. That's just what we're doing on this episode of Today's Homeowner.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore sign

Tips for Thinking Green When Remodeling

Consider the impact on the environment when remodeling your home. Watch the video to learn tips for thinking green during the remodeling process.
Recycling chute bins

How to Build Chutes for Recycling

Creating through-the-wall chutes for sorting and storing recyclables is a great way to reduce indoor clutter.

Up-cycle/Recycle

We up-cycle a hutch into a unique solution for the homeowners' cat, create chutes for recycling, and build a shelf to display decorative plates. Read the episode article to find out more.
Allen Lyle and Danny Lipford with contest winners Susan and Bill Decherd.

Energy-Efficient Household Innovations

As the winners of our “Power Your Life” contest, Susan and Bill Decherd of Barrington, Illinois, won a Generac standby generator for their home! Watch the full episode.
Single story ranch house with almond colored vinyl siding, brown shutters, and white trim.

Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Project

Find out how we improved the energy efficiency of my daughter's home by replacing the heating and cooling system and adding insulation under the floor. Watch this video to find out more.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency

In this episode we’re exploring ways—both big and small—to save energy and lower the utility bills around your home, from replacing old sliding glass doors with new energy efficient insulated glass units to sealing cracks and adding more attic insulation.
Danny Lipford with Carrier Infinity heat pump.

Energy Efficient Home Makeover Project

Watch this video to see how to make your home more energy efficient by replacing the heating and cooling system, adding more attic insulation, and sealing up cracks and gaps.
Ed Begley, Jr. explains his graywater recycling system to Allen Lyle.

Eco-Friendly Green Living Tips for Your Home

Watch this video for tips on how to live an eco-friendly green lifestyle to help the environment, improve your health, and save money on your utility bills, including interviews with actors and green proponents Ed Begley, Jr. and Bill Nye the Science Guy.