Whether a homeowner is conscious about environmental pollution and introduces green upgrades to help decrease it, or just follows the “green” trend that seems to have been promoted by various companies, going green is a positive decision. However, in order to get the mindset expanded, people actually need to see the benefits for themselves in order to change their habits that are harmful to the environment.

Some believe that the best way to make more sustainable properties is to recognize that saving energy doesn’t impose additional costs and benefits consumers. Eco-designed homes are not new buildings with hi-tech modern features like many people tend to think. However, homes need to become eco if we want to reduce carbon emissions, which can be done with double-glazing and roof insulation alone. Here are 5 suggestions for your home’s green upgrades if you want to make a start and make your home at least somewhat greener.

1. Double-glazed windows

Double-glazed windows are of such a benefit that it’s truly a shame that their salesmen have given the industry a bad reputation. But every house in the world should be double-glazed once you look at the potential energy savings. This applies both to new and old houses. Double-glazed doors and windows are popular features on green homes because they help reduce cooling and heating bills. As they contribute to a home’s overall energy efficiency, home-buyers are looking for these features in order to save some money. Double-glazing also reduces condensation, noise pollution, and draught.

2. Furniture from recycled materials

Believe it or not, there is more and more furniture made from recycled material that’s coming on the furniture market. When people look around Ikea looking for cheap furniture, it’s common sense that they remember at that moment how convenient and important recycling is. You can get yourself really unique pieces of furniture by checking your local market or perhaps making your own furniture at home. One way or another, you will contribute to preserving our planet’s natural resources.

3. Proper home insulation

One of the most important things to consider when building a greener home for your family and you are insulation. About 50% of your home’s energy consumption is accounted to heating and cooling. There are air leaks around doors, windows, and ductwork, which are responsible for your home’s heat loss. You shouldn’t let cooling and heating of your interior space go to waste because of improper insulation. Your energy consumption will be reduced by proper insulation, and your electricity bills will also be brought down substantially. Before you decide to fill your cavities with insulation, you should ask for some environmental consulting and check whether there’s any asbestos in your walls. Asbestos is a toxic material which should be handled with caution.

4. Programmable thermostat

Another simple way to reduce your air-conditioning and heating bills is by installing a programmable thermostat. When the thermostat reaches the designated temperature, your HVAC system will turn on. You’ll save about 5% of your energy if you set your thermostat 1 degree higher in the summer and 1 degree lower in the winter.

5. Tankless water heaters and rainwater harvesting systems

When you have a tankless water heater, you don’t have to wait for the water to get heated. These heaters heat only the amount of water that is needed as it passes through an electric coil. This can be beneficial in two ways. First, since it heats up just the amount of water that’s needed, it eliminates excess energy costs. Secondly, by eliminating the need for a water tank, you can get ample storage space.

Water can also be collected with a rainwater harvesting system. You can collect it from roofs, store it in a tank, and use it for purposes such as sprinkler systems and toilets. One of the most common methods of rainwater harvesting today is using rain barrels.

To have a green home, you need to use less electricity, reduce your carbon emission and energy consumption, as well as recycle and reuse. These are just some of the ways to go green. Besides the fact that they can affect your environment positively, they are also good for your home budget.