Whether you want to spend just a little money on greening your home or you have a bigger budget, there is always plenty you can do. And whatever your motivation is for implementing (even a few of) these ideas, you will always save money in the end. The rate of return on each of the following will be different, but it will add up and definitely make your home more attractive for potential buyers.
Your GREEN initiatives can be low-cost, medium-cost or high-cost:
Low-cost ideas are (but not limited to):
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Replacing all of your bulbs (over time) with CFL or LED light bulbs; see the differences;
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Installing low-flow showerheads and low flow aerators on faucets (less than 1.5 gallons per minute);
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Starting composting, reducing materials sent to landfills and providing an eco-friendly way to fertilize soil;
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Planting shade trees, giving you shade in the summer and therefore less need to run your AC;
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Insulating the hot water tank and hot and cold water pipes to reduce the loss of energy;
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Weather-stripping and caulking doors and windows to reduce the loss of energy;
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Collecting rain water to water plants;
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Painting with low- or no VOC paints to improve good indoor air quality;
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Replacing filters regularly;
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Installing a programmable thermostat;
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Planting native plants as they require less irrigation and less pest control;
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Placing appliances or office equipment on power strips to reduce “phantom” load;
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Unplugging large appliances at night; televisions and computers use up a lot of energy when they stay plugged in;
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Installing motion sensors to turn off lights when not in use;
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Using your blue bins and recycling to reduce materials sent to landfills.
Medium-cost ideas are (but not limited to):
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Conducting an energy audit;
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Tuning up your HVAC;
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Replacing carpet with no-VOC style floor covering;
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Considering bamboo or cork flooring instead of hardwood;
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Installing a tank- less hot water heater;
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Insulating attic and other areas;
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Considering drought resistant landscaping.
High-cost ideas are (but not limited to):
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Buying ENERGY STAR appliances;
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Replacing windows with double or triple pane, low-e models;
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Replacing roof with reusable/recyclable materials;
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Installing solar photovoltaic panels;
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Remodeling kitchen/bathroom with sustainable materials and features;
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Replacing cabinets with sustainable harvested wood, bamboo and low-VOC finishes;
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Installing a solar hot water heater;
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Installing a green roof.