Resolutions For Your Home In the New Year

Have you considered going green in your home? Beyond the benefit of lowering your energy bills, an eco-friendly lifestyle could increase the resale value of your property, offer tax incentives, and reduce your carbon footprint. There are many ways to go green, from solar panels and LED lightbulbs to California native plants. Read below for more helpful tips!

1. Solar panels:

You’ve probably noticed that solar panels on residential homes have become more popular, particularly due to the long-term benefits coupled with renewable energy sources. According to experts, the average American spends $1,409.52 on electricity each year. That’s over $14,000 in just 10 years. But by installing solar panels, you may be able to save much of that money.

According to NBC 4 LA, “the U.S. solar market will nearly triple over the next five years, after President Joe Biden signed the largest climate bill in U.S. history into law.”

The initial cost of solar panels is jarring, but don’t get discouraged. There are numerous ways to lower installation costs, including tax credits. You might also consider solar attic fans to help keep your attic cool and ventilated, solar water heaters, or outdoor solar lighting for all your backyard bashes.

2. Switch to LED lightbulbs

Switching to LED lightbulbs is a great way to make your home green, as they offer energy efficiency and cost savings! According to Energy Star, “LED stands for light emitting diode. LED lighting products produce light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs. How do they work? An electrical current passes through a microchip, which illuminates the tiny light sources we call LEDs and the result is visible light. To prevent performance issues, the heat LEDs produce is absorbed into a heat sink.” Furthermore, quality LED lightbulbs have an expected lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours (or longer), versus a typical lightbulb with an expected lifespan of 8,000 to 10,000 hours.

3. Add native plants to your landscape

Trying to be more drought conscious? Adding native plants to your landscape will equate to less water used! Krista Guerrero, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Water Efficiency Specialist, said the average lawn accounts for about 70% of a household’s water usage. California native plants require less watering in comparison to grass lawns, and therefore help to conserve water.

Some low-water and drought-resistant plants include:

Agave species (Agave)
Alyogyne huegelii (Blue Hibiscus)
Arctostaphylos species (Manzanita)
Artemisia species (Sagebrush)
Ceanothus species (California Lilac)
Chamelaucium uncinatum (Geraldton Waxflower)
Cistus species (Rockrose)
Dudleya species (Live Forever)
Echeveria species (Hens-and-Chickens)
Encelia californica (California Encelia)
Galvezia speciosa (Island Bush Snapdragon)
Grevillea species (Grevillea)
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon)
Lavandula species (Lavender)

4. Install Smart Appliances

Technology has come a long way, and there are many eco-friendly devices and appliances for your home! A Smart thermostat can lower energy use by learning a household’s patterns and adjusting temperature automatically. Reduced energy consumption equates to lower utility bills! Additionally, a Smart controlled plug can automatically turn off lights and appliances from a distance.