How to Find Affordable Eco Home Solutions

by Ann Hayward 04/11/2021

While reducing energy costs is often a top priority of those who invest in green home solutions, these sustainable updates and upgrades have also earned a reputation of being costly to implement. In fact, eco homes have become somewhat of a luxury trend due to the rising cost of building with sustainable materials and creating innovative eco-friendly solutions.

Fortunately, there are affordable eco home solutions available. Here are a few that might work well if you are trying to stick to a budget:

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

One of the easiest ways to begin to transition your home into an eco home is to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances have become more popular in recent years, which has helped to drive down the prices of these units. In addition, many utility companies offer rebates to customers who purchase energy-efficient refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and more. These rebates and incentives also can help offset the initial cost of purchasing the appliances. Once you have purchased them and have had them installed, you will begin to realize cost savings on your utility bills month after month.

Invest in Smart Technology

Smart technology is another easy and cost-effective way to go green in your own home. The amount of smart technology available has expanded in recent years, allowing budget-conscious people to find a solution that works for them. Some of the most popular types of smart technology in eco homes include:

Smart thermostats — Smart thermostats learn the habits of the people living inside the home and automatically adjust accordingly. This helps reduce the amount of time the heating and cooling system operates in the home, which subsequently reduces utility costs.
Smart plugs — Smart plugs will automatically turn the electricity outlet on and off based on the needs of the device that is plugged in. This reduces the amount of wasted electricity and also helps reduce utility costs.

Rely on Sustainable Building Materials

If you are doing a larger home project, such as an expansion or addition, you may want to consider purchasing sustainable building materials. These materials have come down in price in recent years, but beyond that, they cost less to maintain over the course of your lifetime. Sustainable building materials are extremely durable, and you will not have to put as much money into maintaining these materials in the years to come.

Partner with a Green Home Builder

It is possible to build an eco-friendly, new construction home while sticking to your budget. However, in order to get the best results and the most value for your investment, you will want to partner with a green home builder. A builder that specializes in eco-friendly construction will know how to secure sustainable building materials for the best possible price while simultaneously creating a floor plan that maximizes the efficiency of your new home.

Sometimes, the upfront costs of green home construction or sustainable home improvement projects can be startling. However, it's important to remember that you can take small, budget-friendly steps toward living a more sustainable lifestyle. And, when you do invest in larger, more expensive projects, you will eventually realize long-term savings that offset the initial investment.

Budget Friendly Upgrades

Eco Friendly

Energy Efficient

Sustainable Living

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]