Five Green Home Improvement Projects for Under $100

Going green on your next home improvement project can be easy-and cheap! Here is a list of my favorite and greenest home improvement projects and all for under $100!

Home Energy Audit

One of the first things you should do if you're unsure of your homes energy efficiency is to get a home energy audit. For a fee (and in some cases free) a representative from your local utility company will come to your home and perform a home energy audit. They can tell you exactly what type of home improvement will work best at saving energy and saving you money. Check with your local electric company for home energy audit information.

VOC Free Paint

Painting is often one of the most dramatic and cheapest home improvement projects a home owner can do. Unfortunately, many paints are high in toxic chemicals and release volatile organic compounds (VOC) for years to come, decreasing indoor air quality. Using natural pigment based paints and low or no VOC paints are a great green home improvement project well under $100. Most large chain home improvement warehouses now carry plenty of environmentally friendly paints, stains and varnishes.

Low Flow Fixtures

Not many people think of plumbing fixtures as being green but the fact of the matter is low flow fixtures are a cheap and easy green home improvement project that most home owners can DIY. Replace your shower head with a low flow fixture and you can save water and energy, making this a great green home improvement project for under $100.

Sealing Air Leaks

Air leaks are everywhere in your home. Windows, doors, walls and floors all have air leaks. This creates energy inefficiencies in the heating and cooling units of the home, wasting energy and money. A simple way to test for air leaks is to turn off all heating, air conditioning and fans. Open all vents to the outside (like bathroom vents) and light an incense stick. Hold the stick near windows, doors and other suspected air leaks. Follow the smoke to find the air leaks.

Seal cracks with caulk, replace weather-stripping and add insulation where needed.

Xeriscaping

Believe it our not, your yard probably isn't as environmentally friendly as you think. Water consumption for irrigating landscaping is a big energy and resource waste. Xeriscaping is the use of native plants that need low levels of care, fertilizer and most importantly, little to no irrigation.