MabelYour goal is to minimize your ecological footprint! However, the costs of sustainable living might loom overhead. Let’s go through how expensive it is to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and explore your options for a sustainable lifestyle.
Crafting a New Consumer Mindset
The first step in developing eco-friendly habits and understanding their costs is to reevaluate what you’re spending money on. Changing how you behave as a consumer means you must be more mindful of all purchases. Stay away from cheap, disposable items that will make it to a landfill by the end of the week. Instead, start investing in long-lasting, quality materials.
The Price of Sustainable Technology
With this new mindset, upgrade to sustainable technology that piques your interest. Here are some home improvements to consider, as well as their costs.
Solar Panels
The eco-friendly improvement with the highest price tag is solar panel installation. Homeowners should expect to pay at least $20,000 for this service, including labor, panels, mounts, and an inverter.
Solar panels significantly reduce the amount of electricity you need from your utility supplier. The system’s long lifespan, exceeding 25 years, offers decades of eco-friendly energy!
Double-Paned Windows
Double-paned windows create an air or gas-filled space between two panes. They effectively reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. One window can cost anywhere from $250 to $900. However, the long-term benefits—including reduced heating and cooling costs—will make it well worth the initial investment.
Smart Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat ranges from $200 to $500. The cost is higher than you may think because a professional must conduct all the wiring to ensure safety and efficiency. Nevertheless, you will always have a home that feels comfortable and an HVAC system that operates as needed.
LED Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are affordable but not better for the environment. LED, or light-emitting diode, bulbs consume at least 75 percent less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than their incandescent counterparts. In return, you’re saving money on your energy bills and light bulb replacements.
A single LED bulb may cost $5 to $15. Keep in mind that this cost will add up quickly if you’re looking to replace every light in your home.
Updated Plumbing
Old pipes and plumbing are prone to leaks, limescale buildup that limits water flow, and water waste. An upgrade to modern plumbing may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000, based on the size of the system and the materials you want. Installing low-flow technology is one of the best options that will offer substantial savings.
Inexpensive and Effective Everyday Lifestyle Changes
Going eco-friendly can be an expensive endeavor if you’re reaching for sustainable home improvements. Note that not every household can administer all of these costly changes at once. If you’re concerned about your finances, there are efficient ways to manage your money. Then, you can one day purchase the advanced technology you desire.
In the meantime, you can make small changes here and there. Limiting single-use plastics, reducing water and energy consumption, and recycling will make a difference in the long run. Implementing these tactics to the best of your ability can satisfy your new eco-friendly mindset until you’re ready to advance to the next level.
