11 Apr Tips for Becoming a More Sustainable Homeowner

Are you doing anything specific to be a more sustainable homeowner? We would love to hear your ideas!  

There’s a great saying: “Think globally, but act locally.” And what’s more local than your home? So if you’re looking for ways to be a better friend to Mother Earth, here are some tips for upping your sustainability game at home! 

1. 1. Choose Recycled Materials: When building a home or remodeling, choosing recycled materials is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Up first: reclaimed wood! It adds significant character and prevents additional trees from being chopped down. You can use reclaimed wood for barn doors, beams, shelving, and more.
      
      
   2. Reduce Your Utility Usage: Did you know that one of the biggest negative contributors to the environment on behalf of homeowners is utility usage? The good news is there are ways to reduce your usage, which will also cut your spending! Turn off the lights in your home when you’re not using them, or better yet, put them on timers that can be controlled from your smartphone. Decreasing your consumption of natural gas and fossil fuels will be a great way to do your part!
      
      
   3. Pick Energy-Efficient Appliances: Energy-efficient appliances save electricity, gas, and water when in use, which will help lower your utility costs. They may be a little more expensive to purchase; however, there are often rebates or tax breaks associated with appliances that promote energy efficiency. Speak to your tax consultant before you go shopping to make sure you’re maximizing your investment while helping the planet!
      
      
   4. Choose Renewable Power Sources: Solar energy, wind, nuclear, and hydropower are some of the most common renewable power sources. Solar panels can be installed on your roof to help offset your electricity usage. This is another place where you can potentially earn tax credits and rebates, so it’s worth looking into.
      
      
   5. Insulate Well: Ensure that your insulation is in proper shape and your windows and doors seal properly to save electricity with heating and air conditioning. A properly insulated home will retain its temperature better than a home with weak or damaged insulation. Have an insulation professional inspect your home, and if your insulation needs repairs or additions, have them done right away to keep your home from leaking heat and energy.
      
      
   6. Collect Rainwater: Spring is on the horizon, which means we can expect more rainy days. So, why not start collecting rainwater? You can put bins in your yard to collect rain and then use it to water your landscaping later on. Of course, rain water is potable, so you should never drink it. But that doesn’t mean your plants, flowers, and trees can’t!
      
      
   7. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Making a concerted recycling effort is another easy way to do your part. Set up recycling bins at your home for different materials, and consider composting your food to help feed your landscaping. Other ideas include using old clothes as cleaning rags, turning glass bottles into vases or centerpieces, and more.
      
      

If you are considering building a custom home in the Marion, Cedar Rapids, or Iowa City area, please consider Dahl Custom Homes for your needs. We are experts at custom home construction and would love to discuss your project in more detail. 

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