Green Home Technology: Is It Really Worth the Investment?

With so much technology at our fingertips, many are worried about the effect we are having on our environment. The fact that we use more energy and resources than probably any culture from past days is no secret. In fact, the average U.S. home uses approximately 32 kilowatt hours of electricity and 400 gallons of water each day! Many find it unsettling to consider how much we affect our surroundings by our daily habits. Because of this concern, many people are pushing for more of a “green,” environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Others are asking if the green home tech investment, which can be large in some cases, is really worth it. Just what would make green home technology a worthy investment?

Perhaps the best answer to this question is some examples of green home technology. Here are just a few that can reduce hefty utility bills, energy use, and waste. And the great part? You can pick and choose which technologies to employ based on your budget and commitment to a green lifestyle.

Consider These Green Home Improvement Options:

Dual Flush Toilets

Another investment-worthy, thrifty way to “greenify” your home is to have dual flush toilets. You can purchase kits that are easy to install, so you should be able to do it yourself on a weekend or in your spare time. Basically, a dual flush toilet also helps reduce water waste by reducing the amount of water used when you urinate, as less water is needed. If you are looking to simply replace your toilet with one that has dual flush capabilities, rather than doing it yourself, you can do that as well. Of course, that route is a bit more pricey.

Energy Star Appliances

Looking for a new microwave? How about a nice, new refrigerator? If you are looking to replace some of your old appliances and want to do a bit more for energy conservation, consider investing in energy star appliances. These appliances are approved by Energy Star, which is an Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy program. These appliances help you save energy without sacrificing any comfort or doing any additional work. They can be a great way to go, as appliances such as an Energy Star-approved refrigerator uses 20 percent less energy than typical refrigerators.

Geothermal Heat Pump

A lot of energy is sucked up by heating and cooling technologies in our homes. You can choose two different options to save on heating and cooling your home. You can get yourself a home automation system to help monitor your home temperature or you can use a geothermal heat pump that can reduce this waste and save your hard-earned money. A Geothermal pump can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 40 percent! The reason behind this is that it works from underground, rather than trying to pull the air from above ground. The great thing about this type of system is the fact that it’s also much quieter, so it really benefits you as well.

While some green home technologies can be expensive, the reality is that many are quite affordable and easy to do yourself. The fact that these technologies reduce waste, water, and energy use show that going green really is worth the investment for homeowners.

Rain Barrel

Probably one of the easiest ways to “go green” is to get some rainwater tanks or rain barrels. You can easily find these in local stores such as a hardware store. The purpose of these barrels is to catch rain, which will help you reduce your overall household water usage. You can then use this water to water your plants and gardens, rather than using a hose or water from the house. This is a very affordable option for reducing water waste and getting the same result: beautiful greenery around your house!

Guest post by Rick Delgado who is a passionate freelance writer in the tech and eco-friendly space. He also is a freelance writer for Vivint.