Eco-Friendly Home Repair Tips That Will Pay Off

From leaky faucets to crooked shutters, it seems that there is always something that needs to be repaired when you own a home. Home repairs can be costly and time-consuming, and you may wonder which repairs will be worth it should you ever decide to sell your home. The good news is, there are some DIY home repairs you can make that have a big payoff when you sell your home; better yet, they are eco-friendly and can help you save money on energy bills while increasing your home’s value.

Low-Energy Lighting

When replacing lights or light fixtures, consider low-energy lighting options. A small investment in low-energy lighting can save you money while you remain in your home, and it will also be appealing to potential buyers. With low-energy lighting, you are able to light your home using the same amount of light for less money. Nearly 5% of the average home’s energy budget is spent on lighting, so switching to ENERGY STAR bulbs can save about $75 per year.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances do more for your home while using less energy. Most people can remove and install their own appliances with just a few tools and a little patience. ENERGY STAR rated appliances save homeowners money on energy bills, which also makes them appealing to potential home-buyers. All energy-efficient appliances are good for the environment because they save energy, but ENERGY STAR dishwashers are a particularly good investment because they use less water than older models. Switching just one appliance to an energy-efficient model is the equivalent of planting 1.7 trees and can save an average of 10%-50% of energy.

Attic and Roof Insulation

Insulating attics and roofs is a DIY home repair that will increase your energy savings and pay off when you sell your home. First, decide whether you want a cold or warm roof space. Cold roofs require insulation at the joists to eliminate heat escaping through unused roof space. Warm roofs are insulated between and under roof rafters. Adding insulation to your attic and roof saves energy and is eco-friendly, and choosing recycled insulation is a green alternative.

Recycled insulation has become popular because it is eco-friendly and does not cause skin irritation as does traditional fiberglass insulation. The insulation process itself is the same, but recycled insulation is much easier to work with because you don’t need to worry about reacting to it. Be sure to check the instructions on the recycled insulation to ensure you install it to the proper depth requirement.

Natural Flooring

Natural flooring is a green choice that is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and made from sustainably harvested, recycled, or reclaimed sources. Bamboo and cork flooring are two types of natural flooring that are great for DIY home repair. These types of natural flooring are much less expensive than traditional hardwood floors and are more resistant to moisture than solid wood. They also do not require any chemicals for cleaning and maintenance and are highly durable.

Water-Saving DIY Repairs

When your water heater, toilet, pool pump, or sink begins to leak, consider replacing them with water-saving tankless water heaters, low-flush toilets, updated pool pumps, and aerator sinks. Replacing leaky shower heads with water-conserving heads can save gallons of water during each use. The bathroom and kitchen are responsible for 60% of a home’s water consumption, which makes water-saving DIY repairs eco-friendly as well as cost effective for you and potential home-buyers.

Paul Denikin got into DIY home repair projects after his daughter was born with special needs. His initial efforts were all motivated by the desire to make his home more accessible for her. He learned everything he knows through trial and error and many helpful Youtube videos. He created DadKnowsDIY.com to share some of the great resources he’s come across and to offer home improvement project how-tos and other accessibility information.