Best Eco-Friendly Home Improvements

Earth Day is here, presenting a great chance to make your home eco-friendly. Choosing sustainable upgrades not only helps protect the environment but also offers advantages like lower energy costs and higher property value. Ready to make a change? Explore the top sustainable upgrades, their advantages, and financing options to help pay for them.

Why Should I Make My Home More Sustainable?

Sustainable home renovations do more than just “going green.” They benefit your family’s budget, comfort, and overall health. Here’s why eco-friendly upgrades are a smart choice:

• Reduce Costs: Energy-efficient homes use less power, which will lower your electricity bills.
• Better Air Quality: Sustainable home upgrades improve indoor air quality, which creates a healthier living space.
• Higher Return On Investment (ROI): Eco-friendly homes appeal to more buyers and can command higher selling prices.
• Help The Planet: Opting for sustainable upgrades significantly shrinks your home's carbon footprint.
• Improve Comfort: Enjoy consistent indoor temperatures, quieter rooms, and an overall better living environment.

What Eco-Friendly Changes Can I Make to My Home?

If you want to make your home more environmentally-friendly, consider these top home improvements:

1. Invest in Solar Panels

Installing solar panels is one of the best upgrades to increase home value. Buyers are drawn to homes with lower energy costs, and generating your own electricity means your bills are noticeably less expensive. Plus, the Residential Clean Energy Credit lets homeowners deduct a portion of installation costs on their taxes through 2034—making homes with solar panels even more appealing.

As an added bonus, solar energy makes homes more sustainable. Their clean energy can power your lighting, run your appliances, and even heat your swimming pool.

2. Choose Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

If you want to work smarter and not harder, then changing your light bulbs is the best strategy. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This is possible because they convert more electricity into light rather than heat. And the best part? By switching to LEDs, you could save roughly $225 annually while simultaneously reducing waste.

3. Install Eco-Friendly Windows

Poorly insulated windows can be a major energy drain, accounting for 25%-30% of residential energy losses (U.S. Department of Energy). By fixing or upgrading your windows, you can improve energy efficiency and comfort. Options include:

• Sealing air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping
• Applying solar-control films
• Using lighter-colored curtains instead of heavy ones to reduce heat and brighten your home naturally
• Adding exterior shading like overhangs or awnings
• Upgrading old windows with high-performance, energy-efficient ones

4. Save Water with Low-Flow Fixtures

Want to save water without sacrificing performance? Water conservation starts in your kitchen and bathroom. Consider upgrading to low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. They use less water per minute while still maintaining nice water pressure. These small changes are both cost-effective and good for the planet. 

BONUS TIP: Pair low-flow fixtures with good habits like shorter showers to maximize your water savings. 

5. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

Outdated appliances consume significantly more energy and water than their modern counterparts. Look for ENERGY STAR®-certified products like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers. These upgrades reduce energy use and perform better. The best part? ENERGY STAR® appliances often qualify for rebates, which can help offset the cost of your new purchase!

How Do I Finance My Home Renovation Project?

The thought of financing sustainable home improvements can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! By partnering with Armed Forces Bank, you can access affordable options tailored to fit your needs.

Personal Loan / Military Loan

For smaller projects like installing LED lights or low-flow fixtures, a large budget isn’t necessary. Personal loans—also called “military personal loans,” “armed forces loans,” and “active-duty military loans”—are a convenient solution. They offer fast approval, easy access to funds, and fixed monthly payments. And finally, personal loans¹ provide a hassle-free way to finance your upgrades while still keeping your budget on track.

Get a Personal Loan

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

A HELOC² is a great lending option for larger-scale upgrades like solar panels. This revolving line of credit lets you borrow against your home’s equity as needed, up to a certain limit. It’s a popular financing option for two main reasons: 1) It offers borrowers flexibility, and 2) It typically comes with better interest rates than credit cards and many personal loans.

Get a HELOC

Cash-Out Refinance

For major upgrades, like replacing all your appliances, a cash-out refinance³ could be the perfect choice. By refinancing your mortgage at a lower interest rate, you can access additional funds to pay for your home improvements. It’s a smart strategy, particularly when refinance rates work in your favor.

Get a Cash-Out Refinance

Bottom Line

Sustainable home improvements benefit far more than just your monthly bills. They improve your quality of life, reduce environmental impact, and make your home a more valuable investment.

This Earth Day, consider taking the first step toward a greener future by exploring eco-friendly renovations. Whether you decide to switch to LED lights or install solar panels, every small effort makes a difference.

To finance your home improvements, explore Armed Forces Bank’s lending options like personal loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinances. Start your upgrades today!