How high is the demand for sustainable homes? About 61% of real estate agents have clients who are interested in sustainable homes.

You might not find a sustainable home on the market, but you can turn an older home into a sustainable home. You just have to know which upgrades to make.

Read on to learn about the top five green home upgrades you should consider. If money is tight, look into the best home improvement loans before you start. Knowing your total budget will give you a better idea of what can and can’t be done.

1. Energy Efficient Windows

A large portion of your heating and cooling energy goes right out the windows of your home. Older windows don’t have the sustainable technology that today’s windows have.

Today’s windows have better insulation, and some protect your home against UV rays. These windows can save energy because they keep the air in the home.

2. Handle the Little Things

You might have a small budget to create a sustainable home. There are still things you can do yourself that don’t cost a lot of money.

For instance, you can buy Energy Star-rated light bulbs. These will last longer, are brighter, and use less energy.

Another thing you can do is replace the showerheads and faucets in your home. You can end up consuming less water and lowering your water bill.

3. Solar Panels

If you want to lower your tax bill and invest in an environmentally friendly home, you should consider solar energy, there are many different types of solar panels to choose from.

Installing solar panels is the biggest step you can take towards a sustainable home. There are plenty of incentives to take advantage of right now. Federal tax incentives and state grants offset the costs of solar power.

Solar panels continue to cost less. Are solar panels worth it? This article from Blue Raven answers the question for you.

4. HVAC Upgrade

Another big upgrade is to replace your HVAC unit. This upgrade makes sense if you have an older HVAC unit. HVAC systems usually last between 10-12 years.

You may start to see HVAC issues when the unit is about eight years old. If you find that your HVAC unit is costing quite a bit in repairs, and it’s older, it’s probably time to replace it.

When you do replace it, get an Energy Star-certified unit. These units are much more efficient than your older unit. Couple that with a smart thermostat, and you have a sustainable home.  

5. Sustainable Buying Practices for a Sustainable Home

You can make all of the green home upgrades, but your home isn’t really sustainable unless you shift your buying habits.

Be mindful of the real costs of the products you purchase. An item might be cheap, but that might be because it’s manufactured in a facility that doesn’t use sustainable practices.

Something as simple as bringing reusable bags reduces the amount of plastic used. Slowly start to think about the impact of your purchase and try to create sustainable habits.

Tips for Living Sustainably

With climate change on our doorstep, sustainability is at the forefront of consumer demands. More people want to have a sustainable home, and there are large and small green home upgrades you can make.

Living sustainably is possible, just follow the tips in this article. Now that you know about these green upgrades, check out the other real estate articles on this site.