Older homes are filled with unique character and charm, impossible to find in a more modern home. It’s no wonder people are so drawn to their grand architecture and hand-crafted details.

Not only are older homes interesting to look at, but they are also typically made with solid materials. This gives them incredible bones built to last.

The problem with older homes usually lies in their convenience and environmental impact. We have come a long way since these homes have been built. And while antique hardwood floors are a showstopper, outdated fixtures and appliances are dating your home and harming the environment.

The good news? There are plenty of ways you can update an older home to make it more eco-friendly. This can give you the best of both worlds — a house filled with character and charm with a low environmental impact.

Why upgrade an older home to be more eco-friendly?

There are many reasons to opt for a more environmentally friendly home. You will not only lower your carbon footprint, but you can also save yourself some money in the long run.

After purchasing your home, you will probably look into things such as, what policy should owners of older homes consider? While searching options, you may be disappointed to find that insurance for older homes can sometimes be more expensive than their newly built counterparts.

Because the materials such as plumbing and electrical work are aging, insurance companies see more risk in insuring these homes.

The good news? When you decide to upgrade to more eco-friendly features, you can expect your insurance company to cut you some slack on costs. This can mean significant long-term savings for you and your newly updated home.

Energy-efficient home upgrades can also lower your utility bill. This is another way you can expect to save in the long run. While the upfront cost of these upgrades may seem high, you will ultimately see more money in your pocket over time.

So what can you do to make your older home more eco-friendly? Let’s find out.

Invest in Eco-Friendly Appliances

The appliances in your home can use up a lot of energy if they are outdated. Although a new set of kitchen appliances or a new washer and dryer may seem like an expensive upgrade, they can eventually save you a lot of money.

Energy Star certified appliances can use up to 85% less energy than others, leading you to see huge savings on your utility bill. Including these appliances in your home can also help with resale value if you ever choose to sell.

If you want to make an even better impact on the environment, you can recycle your old appliances once you have upgraded. Recycled appliances can be used for their scrap metal, thus eliminating some of the need for new materials to be made. You will also probably get a little cash in your pocket, which makes the choice a win-win.

Smart home appliances can also help you better control energy and utility consumption in your home.

Upgrade Your Windows to More Eco-Friendly Options

Many older homes will have single-pane windows, as they were common use for the time. Though they indeed preserve the historic look of an older home, they are also typically very inefficient.

Single-pane windows are often poorly insulated if they contain any insulation at all. And they will likely leave you feeling a draft in the winter months and a little too warm in the summer.

That lack of temperature regulation may have you running your heat and air conditioning at higher levels than you might if you upgraded to newer, more efficient windows. Opting for double or even triple-paned windows can have you on your way to cutting energy costs with their efficiency.

Try Solar Power to Update Your Older Home

Solar power continues to rise in popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. Solar-powered options in your home can boost your energy efficiency and save you a lot of money.

Installing solar panels to power your home can seem like a costly process, but they also can eliminate or lower your electricity bills. Though this may not be the case for everyone, you may find yourself with no electric bill each month if you can generate enough power.

Other items in your home like your water heater can also benefit from a solar energy upgrade. Opting for a solar water heater can lower your water heating costs by up to 80%. They are also relatively easy to install, so you won’t have to wait long for your savings.

The benefits of choosing solar power are endless. You will find an increase in your home’s value, tremendous savings, and a drastically reduced carbon footprint when you choose energy powered by the sun.

Use Reclaimed Materials for Home Renovations

If your older home needs a facelift, you’ll likely head straight to the home improvement store in search of materials. But an eco-friendly option is to use reclaimed materials instead.

Not only will you find savings in the cost of these materials, but they are also much better for the environment. Plus, you can give your home a look of its own when choosing older, more unique items rather than mass-manufactured ones.

Once you find your materials, the rest is up to you. The options are endless on what you can choose to do – both inside and outside of your home. Reclaimed materials can be used for flooring, in your garden, or wherever you see fit.

You can often find great wood options online or through reclaimed lumber dealers near you. You will usually get a better product for a cheaper price by utilizing recycled materials. And, you will also be lowering your carbon footprint to top it all off.

Upgrading Your Older Home the Eco-Friendly Way

There are many costs to buying a home, and it may seem overwhelming to take on an older house. Though they are beautiful, they often come with a lot of work that needs to be done. While it may seem like you don’t know where to start, eco-friendly upgrades are always a good choice.

Lowered utility bills, lessened insurance costs, and a home with a high resale value can all come from choosing improvements that positively affect the environment.

Whether you decide to upgrade appliances, add solar power, replace windows, or use reclaimed materials on your home projects, you can be sure you will be lowering your carbon footprint all while creating the home of your dreams.

About the Author

Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, ExpertInsuranceReviews.com. She is currently finishing up her own eco-friendly upgrade projects on her older home and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others.

What types of eco-friendly upgrades have you made to your home?

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