Eco-Friendly Transformations in Home Care and Maintenance That You Should Consider

Owning and maintaining a home does not come cheap and according to a study by Bankrate, it costs on average $18,000 per year to keep a home in good condition. The cost of owning and maintaining a house has gone up considerably from $1,200 a month in 2020 to $1,510 this year, says the same study.

On the bright side, there are ways to make home care efficient and eco-friendly saving you money and time. There are simple steps to reduce your environmental impact while keeping your home clean, safe, and comfortable. From choosing green cleaning products and updating appliances to water conservation and waste reduction, these actions can considerably lower your negative impact on the environment while keeping a tight lid on your finances.

Factors Affecting Skyrocketing Ownership and Maintenance Costs

Evidently, life is much more expensive since the pandemic, and high home acquisition prices have already an effect on the maintenance costs of a property. Home experts recommend setting aside 1-4% of the value of a home for repairs and replacements.   In addition to mortgage payments, there are also recurring costs that the homeowner must pay. Utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewage are recurring costs for a property owner. Maintenance, on the other hand, includes repairs and upkeep such as painting, landscaping, and appliance maintenance.

Moreover, if your house is in a community with homeowners association (HOA) fees then you will need to pay annual dues. Furthermore, there are also potential costs that are not built into your budget. For instance, emergency repairs might need to be undertaken, and these could include unexpected costs for plumbing, electrical, or roofing problems. There may also be expenses associated with renovations, improvements, or upgrades. 

Hence, it makes sense to create a budget and set aside funds for unexpected expenses on top of normal maintenance costs. Moreover, you might also want to consider eco-friendly transformations in your home not only to save money, but also to help the environment.  

Strategies for Low-Maintenance and Eco-Friendly Home  

The home service market is a growing industry providing maintenance, repairs, and improvements to house owners. Some of the services offered by the home service market include cleaning, repair, home improvement, lawn care and gardening, handyman services, and pest control. As homeowners seek to maintain and improve their dwellings, the demand for home service providers continues to rise. On the other hand, there are several actions that homeowners can perform to keep their maintenance costs low and at the same time, contribute to the betterment of the environment.

For example, cleaning products can set back a family of four at least $639 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To help the planet and your bank account, opt for cheaper natural cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice that effectively clean surfaces without using harsh chemicals. Make your own cleaners using natural ingredients and choose products with biodegradable formulas and minimal packaging as a favor to the environment.

Another expense item that can make a considerable dent on your budget is energy costs. For instance, heating and cooling costs a home on average $1,900 annually. In this regard, consider replacing older appliances or even your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system with newer models that use less energy. Caulk and weather strip windows and doors to prevent drafts and energy loss.  

Water consumption is another factor that contributes to the maintenance cost of houses. Therefore, fix leaks as soon as possible because a leaky faucet or toilet can waste a significant amount of water that will set you back a lot of money. Plant indigenous plants because they require less water and maintenance.  Waste reduction is another important strategy that not only helps the environment, but also  your pockets.

For instance, turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Recycle paper, plastic glass, and metal as part of your regular habits for the planet.  If planning on renovating your home, choose sustainable building materials and consider using recycled or renewable materials when updating your home. Say you want to improve the insulation of your windows and doors. In this regard, you might want to select recycled or eco-friendly materials.  

Owning a home involves incurring many expenses including the initial price of acquiring your house. Therefore, it makes sense to undertake eco-friendly transformations inside and outside of the home as well as encourage sustainable practices that not only help the planet, but also your wallets.