15 "Green" Upgrades That Could Be Harming Your Home

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With our race to make our homes greener, it’s easy to think every green upgrade counts as one step forward. After all, saving money on energy bills and reducing environmental footprint is something everyone would love to do. Some well meaning changes, however, can carry unintended consequences, from impacting your comfort and wallet to structural integrity of your home.

A lot of homeowners have hopped on the sustainable living bandwagon with the best of intentions, but some of these upgrades are not working out so well. I won’t critique every popular supplement choice here, but we will discuss some that may actually cause more harm than good.

Complicated Programmable Thermostats

In theory, programmable thermostats are great, but many people can’t figure out how to set them up properly. A ResearchGate study found that many users don’t use them as intended, driving up energy costs instead of cutting them. If you are not tech savvy, you might wish for the simplicity of the old school dial.

Water-saving Toilets Cause Blockage

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While low flow toilets are great for saving water, some models don’t have enough force to clear waste adequately. The result? Clogs that can drive anyone up the wall. A quick Google search reveals forums where homeowners are upset that they traded out their old toilets for water saving ones, only to spend more time with the plunger than they’d want to.

Solar Panels Without Roof Assessments

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Solar panels are a great way to harness clean energy, but if you install them on a roof that hasn’t been checked for structural integrity you could be in for a world of pain. If you have an older or a weak roof, the weight of solar panels would cause sagging or even collapse.

Allergens Trapped By Reusable HVAC Filters

Disposable HVAC filters are replaced with washable ones, which may sound eco friendly, but unless the washable ones are thoroughly and regularly cleaned they can be a home for allergens. A dusty or dirty filter will leave your home dirtier by recirculating allergens than trapping them. For allergy sufferers, this can be a bit of a green upgrade gone bad.

Energy Efficient Windows Trapping Moisture

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Double or triple pane energy efficient windows can reduce heating and cooling costs, but unless properly installed, they trap moisture. It can even rot the surrounding window frames or cause mold growth. The issue sometimes lies in improper sealing, which takes a green upgrade and turns it into a moldy mess.

Rodents Attracted to Compost Bins

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While composting is a great way to reduce waste and benefit your garden, if you don’t take care you can end up attracting unwanted guests like rats and raccoons. Leaving food scraps exposed or a poorly sealed bin will make your backyard a rodent buffet. Some people swap one for the other—a pest control nightmare for landfill guilt, a trade no one wants to make.

Over-insulating Your Home

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Insulation is great because it keeps your house cozy in the winter and cool in the summer, but adding too much can actually cause problems. Trapping heat and moisture in your home can lead to ventilation problems and, you guessed it, mold. To prevent what they call the ‘thermal coffin effect,’ experts propose an equilibrium between insulation and airflow.

DIY Rainwater Harvesting Systems

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Collecting rainwater is a sustainable practice many swear by, but poorly designed or incorrectly maintained DIY systems can become mosquito breeding grounds. Some rain barrels contain stagnant water that may be a health risk, according to an NIH study. The advantages of these systems can quickly turn into pitfalls if filtration and overflow are not planned for.

Toxins in Eco Friendly Paints

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Healthy paints marketed as low VOC or zero VOC paints do emit some VOC during and after application. These emissions, known as off gassing, can cause headaches or respiratory problems for sensitive people.

Green Roofs Inviting Leaks

There’s no question green roofs covered with vegetation are beautiful and good for insulation but, if not installed or maintained correctly, they can lead to leaks. Or, if a waterproofing layer is not perfect, water will penetrate the roof structure. Without regular maintenance, even the hardiest plants can die, leaving behind an unsightly and expensive problem.

LED Lights Disrupting Circadian Rhythms

Although LED bulbs are energy efficient, the blue light emitted can throw off your sleep. It’s been shown that blue light, and especially blue light in the evening, disrupts melatonin production and makes it harder to fall asleep. LEDs are great at cutting down on electricity, but you should go for warmer tones in living and sleeping areas to avoid turning your house into a sleep deprivation zone.

Synthetic Turf Overheating

Artificial grass saves water, but it can get so hot in the summer that you won’t be able to walk across it without feeling uncomfortable—or even in danger. During a 90 degree day, synthetic turf can get hotter than 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Can you imagine your kids or pets playing outside and get burned feet or paws? Convenience doesn’t always equal comfort, and it’s a harsh reminder.

Countertops Made of Natural Stone That Require Exorbitant Maintenance

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Marble and granite are both sustainable and durable stone, but both need to be sealed and regularly maintained to avoid stain or crack. These counters can quickly lose their luster if you’re not prepared for regular maintenance. The beautiful green choice that starts out nice can become a high maintenance hassle.

Native Plants Causing Yard Imbalance

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Planting native species is a great way to support local ecosystems, but if you are not careful, they can take over and crowd out other greenery or attract pests that will affect your yard. With a poorly chosen mix, your garden can start to look more chaotic than lush and you’ll wonder whether you took on more than you can chew.

Bamboo Flooring With Hidden Adhesive

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While bamboo flooring is often touted as a sustainable alternative to hardwood not all products are created equal. Bamboo floors held together by adhesives that emit formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, are common. The irony? You thought you were doing the planet a good turn, but you’ve just brought harmful chemicals into your home. Before you buy, research the manufacturing process so that you can avoid this hidden hazard.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.