Low-Cost Ways to Create an Environmentally Friendly Space
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Living healthily remains a primary concern for many today, with homeowners looking to make home improvements with an emphasis on the health benefits of living in an environmentally friendly space.
"When it comes to home improvement, eco-friendly choices can be budget friendly," said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. "Healthy home choices, especially for large renovations, can bring your homeowner cost down and save you money on insurance too."
The journey to a healthier home begins by identifying areas needing regular maintenance and determining which environmentally friendly products can replace current ones. Here's a roundup of beneficial and feasible home enhancements:
Breathe Easier with Clean Air
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. The air filters in your home's heating and cooling equipment weed out contaminants like dust and pet dander; however, a dirty filter hampers their efficiency. Regularly cleaning or changing these filters, especially HEPA filters that cost as little as $30, can ensure clean air.
A costless preventive measure is to maintain the proper functioning of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Fires and carbon monoxide poisoning are more likely during winter when homes are typically heated, making detector maintenance an important step.
Ensuring Safe Water
Water filters offer a health-centric and budget-conscious upgrade to homes. Filter pitchers start from as low as $20, and there are more upscale alternatives available like under-sink, countertop or faucet-mounted systems.
Water leak detection devices present another home improvement avenue. These systems alert homeowners when a leak is detected and can automatically shut off the water system if a significant issue exists. Mercury Insurance offers a related discount to eligible homes equipped with these devices.
Environmentally Friendly and Effective Household Supplies
Attentions have shifted due to concerns over the composition of traditional cleaning products, paints, flooring, and construction materials. Many homeowners now prefer environmentally friendly alternatives. Look for biodegradable products based on renewable resources. When painting the walls of your home, look for volatile organic compounds (VOC)-free options or those that are Green Seal or GreenGuard certified.
When it comes to appliances, aim for LEED-certified or STAR-rated products for lower energy usage and eligibility for an insurance discount for green homeowners. For flooring, consider alternatives like unfinished hardwood, stone or concrete, and carpets made from natural fibers. Look for non-toxic adhesives to further limit chemical exposure.
For building materials like drywall and insulation, opt for GreenGuard-certified products to avoid hazardous chemicals.
Adopting routine maintenance and home improvements can foster a healthier living environment and offer financial rewards. For instance, Mercury Insurance provides a 5% green home insurance discount to homeowners with a certification from either the US Green Building Council LEED or the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Guidelines (NAHB).
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners and renters insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit Mercury Insurance or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.
Media Contact
Shane Smith, Mercury Insurance, (424) 903-3665, [email protected], http://www.mercuryinsurance.com/
SOURCE Mercury Insurance
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