As more people understand the need for sustainable living, homeowners are trying to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Going green not only benefits the environment but also increases your home's value, makes it durable, and helps you save on energy bills. As the government drives to eliminate the use of plastics and push citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles, our real estate agents put together these six features you can use to go green in your home.

1. Install a Smart Thermostat
   When the temperature is extremely cold or hot, it's easy to leave the HVAC unit on for longer than you need. The heating and cooling system consumes a significant proportion of energy in your home.
   
   You can program a smart thermostat to switch on and off at specific times during the day. So, program it to heat the house an hour or a half before returning from work and turning it off as soon as you leave for work. It ensures there is less energy consumption, and thus, reduces the carbon footprint.
   
   
2. Adopt Alternative Energy Solutions
   If you want to turn your home into an eco-friendly one, you need to find an alternative energy source. Most households rely on electricity grids which draw energy from non-sustainable sources like fossil fuels.
   
   Go green by investing in alternative renewable sources of energy like solar panels. Although the initial investment cost may be high, they are environmentally friendly and help reduce your energy bill.
   
   
3. Add a Layer of Insulation
   When you properly insulate your home, you will need less energy to heat or cool your living space. Insulation is important for the roof and walls. You can insulate using foam board, Nu-Wool, or open-cell spray for your walls. As for your windows, you can double-glaze them.
   
   Almost 80% of carbon dioxide emissions come from energy consumption. Properly insulating your home reduces reliance on energy, reducing the portion of greenhouse emissions from your heating and cooling unit at home.
   
   
4. Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Agents
   Cleaning is a routine in every home. Unfortunately, homeowners don't consider the side effects their favorite cleaning detergents and chemicals have on the environment. When chemicals from cleaning agents go down the drain, they can get into the water supply, damaging biodiversity.
   
   You can go green by choosing eco-friendly cleaning agents like lemon juice and bicarbonate soda. These are natural agents that can kill bacteria, remove bad odor, and eliminate grease and grime. Alternatives, you can use steam cleaners to kill germs and disinfect your home.
   
   
5. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
   Household appliances significantly contribute to the emission of harmful greenhouse gases because they consume a lot of energy. Therefore, you can go green by simply using energy-efficient appliances. They draw in less energy, reducing the carbon footprint.
   
   Besides preventing greenhouse emissions, energy-efficient appliances also save on water. So, they help conserve and preserve water for the next generation. It also helps save on energy bills and improve your overall quality of life.

As a homeowner, you can invest in energy-efficient appliances, switch to renewable energy, and install a smart thermostat to reduce your carbon footprint. Contact us to tour these Atlanta homes for sale.