Best Sustainable Home Upgrades & How To Afford Them

Earth Day has arrived, offering the perfect opportunity to make your home more sustainable. Embracing eco-friendly upgrades not only helps protect the planet but also lowers energy costs and a boosts property value. Ready to make your home greener? Keep reading to discover the best sustainable home improvements, their benefits, and smart financing options to afford them.

Why Do Sustainable Upgrades Matter?

Eco-friendly home improvements aren’t just a passing trend; they are a smart investment for your wallet, health, and the environment. Here’s why homeowners are turning to sustainable solutions:

• Reduce Energy Costs: Energy-efficient upgrades help lower your monthly utility bills by using less electricity, water, and gas.
• Positive Environmental Impact: Sustainable choices can seriously reduce your home's carbon footprint.
• Increase Home Value: Homes with eco-friendly features tend to attract more buyers and can sell for higher prices.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Sustainable home improvements can help with indoor air quality, creating a healthier living environment.
• Better Comfort: An energy-efficient home can reduce noise, stabilize temperatures, and make your space all-around cozier.

What are the Best Eco-Friendly Home Improvements?

Want to make your home more sustainable? Start with these simple, impactful changes:

1. Install Solar Panels

Solar energy is a game-changer for homeowners looking to go green. Solar panels convert sunlight into clean energy to power appliances, heat water, light your home, and even provide backup power during outages. 

Why Solar Panels Are Worth It: 

• Significantly lower the cost of your electricity bills
• Comes with federal tax incentives, such as the Residential Clean Energy Credit (available through 2034)
• Increases your overall home value and ROI while still contributing to clean energy efforts

2. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Small changes can have a big impact, and swapping to LED lighting is a perfect example.

Benefits of LED Bulbs:

• Use up to 90% less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs
• Save roughly $225 annually on your electricity bills
• Lifespan is significantly longer than standard bulbs, meaning fewer replacements

3. Upgrade to Eco-Friendly Windows

Your windows might be letting out more air than you realize! According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat changes through windows accounts for 25%-30% of home’s energy use.

Simple Fixes:

• Seal air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping
• Apply solar-control films
• Install insulated window coverings
• Replace heavy curtains with light-colored materials to reduce heat and brighten your home

Bigger Investments:

• Add exterior shading like awnings or overhangs
• Replace existing windows with high-performance ones to cut energy costs

4. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Water conservation begins in your bathroom and kitchen. Installing low-flow fixtures is one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make.

Advantages of Low-Flow Fixtures:

• Saves gallons of water daily without losing water pressure
• Lowers monthly water bills while also helping the planet
• Simplifies upgrades with easy-to-install options like low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators

5. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

Modern appliances don’t just look sleeker; they are built to save money and reduce your environmental footprint.

What to Look For:

• ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines
• Efficient heating and cooling systems that regulate temperatures without consuming excess energy

Over time, these appliances practically pay for themselves through energy savings! 

How to Pay for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Worried about the cost of going green? You are not alone! Luckily, there are several financing options that make it easy to start your eco-friendly home improvements:

OPTION 1: Personal Loan

Smaller upgrades, like LED lighting or low-flow fixtures, often don’t need a big budget. That’s where personal loans¹ come into play—they are quick, simple, and easy to manage. With fast approval, quick access to funds, and predictable monthly payments, they make budgeting straightforward for borrowers.

Apply for Personal Loan

OPTION 2: Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

If you have built equity in your home, a HELOC² could be a smart solution to fund big projects (like solar panel installations or window upgrades). With a HELOC, you can borrow only what you need, and it comes with lower interest rates than most credit cards or personal loans.

Apply for HELOC

OPTION 3: Cash-Out Refinance

If you are thinking big, like swapping out all your appliances, a cash-out refi³ can help. When you refinance your mortgage at a lower interest rate, you have the opportunity to use the extra cash for your home improvements. It’s a win-win, especially if interest rates are in your favor.

Apply for Cash-Out Refinance

Bottom Line on Sustainable Upgrades

Go green for the earth—and for your finances too! Eco-friendly home improvements can help you save money, live comfortably, and protect our planet for the next generation. Financing these upgrades is easier than you think, especially at Academy Bank! We offer lending options that are perfect for flexible planning and budgeting.

Check out our personal loan, HELOC, and cash-out refinance options to find the best fit for your next project!