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Small Home Upgrades with Long-Term Benefits

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published July 9, 2026

Looking to lower utility bills, save water or make more sustainable choices? The products you choose can affect your utility bills and the air quality inside your home. Let's explore a few of these upgrades that can help create a more efficient home.

Key Takeaways

  • Products that use less energy and water can help lower utility costs over time.
  • Certifications can make it easier to identify products that support healthier homes and responsible sourcing.
  • Small choices during your next project can have benefits long after the work is done.

Choose Products That Support Cleaner Indoor Air

A truly comfortable home goes beyond how it looks and extends to the quality of the air inside. Everyday materials such as paint, flooring, furniture and textiles can influence indoor air quality long after installation.

Third-party certifications such as GREENGUARD Gold Certified and OEKO-TEX® certification make it easier to identify products that can help create a more comfortable and healthier home environment.

Look for Energy-Saving Upgrades

Some upgrades start working for you right away. ENERGY STAR® certified products are designed to use less energy without compromising performance. Common examples include refrigerators, dishwashers, smart thermostats and LED lighting.

While energy-efficient options may require a higher upfront investment, they can help lower utility bills, making them a practical choice for long-term savings.

Save Water with Fixture Updates

You may not think about it often, but your faucets, showerheads and toilets can account for significant amounts of water use throughout the home. WaterSense-labeled products such as faucets, showerheads and toilets are designed to use less water without compromising performance. Even small updates can help you save water without changing your daily routine.

Consider Responsibly Sourced Materials

Select Certified Lumber
Building shelves? Adding storage? Tackling a backyard project? The materials you select play an important role.

Certifications from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) identify wood products sourced from responsibly managed forests. Choosing certified lumber is an easy way to make a more responsible choice while building the projects already on your to-do list.

Choose Cleaning Products with Safer Ingredients
Many home improvement projects start with prep work and end with cleanup. Whether you're painting a space, organizing a garage or tackling seasonal maintenance, the products you use along the way can make a difference. Products with the EPA Safer Choice label are designed to clean effectively while helping you make more informed choices for your home. Choosing these products is an easy way to support a healthier home while taking care of everyday projects.

Grow with Purpose

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the front door. If you enjoy gardening, OMRI listed products support organic growing practices with options such as organic fertilizers and soil amendments. Whether you’re growing vegetables, planting herbs or creating a pollinator-friendly garden, these products can help support your gardening goals while helping you get more out of your outdoor space.

Let's Get Started

The best projects don’t just improve how your home looks, they can also help you save energy, conserve water and create a more comfortable space. Choosing products with trusted certifications can help you make informed decisions while creating a home that's comfortable, efficient and built around your needs.

Lowe's has thousands of products to support an energy-efficient, healthier home. Shop online or visit your local Lowe's store.

Smart Thermostats

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WaterSense Bathroom Sink Faucets

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WaterSense Shower Heads

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LED Light Bulbs

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Natural Cleaning Supplies

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