At Debowsky Design Group, we pride ourselves on projects that emphasize sustainable building practices. For us, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an essential part of the design process. For homeowners, it’s important to think about the elements of your home not just in an aesthetic context, but how all the pieces come together to create an optimally-functioning space for years to come. 

To put this into perspective, we wanted to share 5 environmentally-savvy upgrades that you can do to your home that can save you thousands of dollars in bills in the long run.-

5 environmentally-savvy upgrades

LED bulbs

LED bulbs may cost a bit more than incandescent bulbs—LEDs cost approx. $2.50 compared to incandescent bulbs costing $1.25. However, they save you more money on the backend. For example, an incandescent bulb’s lifespan is about 1,000 hours. LED bulbs, on the other hand, have a lifespan of around 10,000 hours. LED bulbs use 75% less energy, which means you’ll save more on energy bills and the quality of light from LEDs is significantly better than Compact Fluorescents (the other energy-friendly option). 

Solar panels

Solar panels can be great for Florida residents, as the more regular sun can generate more electricity for homeowners. As a result, homeowners can expect to save an average of $1,530 on their energy bills each year. Solar panels add to your home’s value and, in Florida, there’s a Property Tax Abatement for Renewable Energy Property which means your property taxes will remain the same, even if your home’s value increases. 

Native plants

Introducing native plants to your yard can be a great way to save on bills. How? Native plant landscaping is more low maintenance than traditional landscaping. That means you’ll use less water and irrigation and native plants require less fertilizers and pesticides. Your yard will look healthy and so will your wallet. 

Window upgrades

Older homes may lose more heat due to inefficient windows. Modern, impact windows can help keep your house at a comfortable temperature and they can help keep out annoying, outdoor sounds. Applying caulk around your windows can also help keep energy bills down.

Bathroom fixtures

Older bathroom fixtures, such as faucets, shower heads and toilets could be using more water than needed, costing you money. To off-set this, consider installing low-flow toilets and shower heads and faucet aerators as these can reduce your water consumption by up to 50% — and don’t worry, you can still have high water pressure in your shower. 

Debowsky Design Group

Our team is committed to design excellence and that includes creating high-quality spaces that can also save you money in the long run. Whether you’re planning a renovation or thinking you need to start one, our team of experts can help you create a sustainable building plan that you and your family will love for years to come. Give us a call today and let’s start your next favorite project.