How to Create an Eco-Friendly Home for Under $100

By the Mercury Team

Want to make your home healthier, more comfortable, and better for the environment? Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to make a meaningful impact. With just $100 or less, you can make small, smart upgrades that boost your indoor air and water quality, reduce energy use, and cut down on harmful chemicals. Let’s look at several affordable ways to create a healthier, more eco-friendly home.

What Is an Eco-Friendly Home and Why Does It Matter?

An eco-friendly home is designed or maintained in a way that’s healthier for both people and the planet—using less energy, producing less waste, and relying on safer, more sustainable materials.

It’s a practical way to live well while reducing your environmental footprint. Making small changes, like switching to non-toxic cleaning products or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, can improve your indoor air quality, protect your family’s health, and lower your monthly utility bills.

Eco-friendly upgrades also come with long-term benefits. Some improvements, such as leak detection systems or safer building materials, may even help reduce the risk of damage to your home, which could qualify you for homeowners insurance discounts.

Improve Air Quality in Your Home

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside your home can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. That’s due to everyday factors like dust, pet dander, and even certain building materials.

Wondering how to improve indoor air quality? One of the simplest ways to clean up your air is by replacing your HVAC filters regularly. High-efficiency HEPA filters help capture airborne pollutants and allergens, and they can cost as little as $25. A clean filter also helps your system run more smoothly, which saves energy and reduces wear and tear.

Another no-cost step is checking your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. These are critical for home safety, especially during colder months when heating systems are in use. If you’re unsure how to test them or can’t reach them safely, many local fire departments can come out to assist.

Upgrade to Cleaner Water

Clean, safe water is a key part of a healthy, eco-friendly home. Whether you’re looking for better-tasting drinking water or peace of mind when it comes to plumbing issues, there are easy, affordable ways to make an impact.

First, start with a water filtration system. Options like filtered pitchers ($20–$40), faucet-mounted units, or under-sink systems can reduce contaminants in your tap water and cut down on plastic bottle waste.

Also, consider installing a budget-friendly water leak detection system. These smart devices can alert you when a leak is detected, and some advanced models can even shut off your water automatically. Ultimately, they help you conserve water and reduce the risk of expensive water damage repairs.

Choose Eco-Friendly Materials and Supplies

You don’t have to do a full remodel to make healthier choices in your living space. Focus on affordable, high-impact updates.

Cleaning products: Look for non-toxic products certified by the EPA’s Safer Choice program. These eco-friendly home cleaning products protect both human health and the environment.
Paint: Opt for low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, which are better for indoor air quality. Check for Green Seal or GREENGUARD certifications.
Appliances: ENERGY STAR–certified small appliances like fans or air purifiers are often priced under $100 and reduce energy use.
Flooring and adhesives: If replacing floors or carpets, choose natural fiber rugs and non-toxic adhesives to limit chemical exposure.
Building materials: For small home projects, consider GREENGUARD-certified insulation or drywall options when available.

Sustainable Living Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Is sustainable living expensive? It doesn’t have to be. Eco-friendly upgrades can be surprisingly affordable. Swapping in a $25 HEPA air filter, using non-toxic cleaning products, or adding a filtered water pitcher to your kitchen are all simple, budget-friendly steps. Even regular home maintenance—like checking smoke detectors or replacing worn weather stripping—supports a more efficient and healthier home.

Over time, these eco-friendly choices can help lower your energy bills, reduce health risks, and even make you eligible for savings on your homeowners insurance.

If you’re looking for ways to protect your home without stretching your budget, Mercury Insurance has your back. We provide cheap home insurance that doesn’t cut corners on protection, as well as exclusive discounts to help you save even more on your premium.

Mercury Team

The Mercury Marketing Team is made up of professionals in the fields of Content Creation, Public Relations, Social Media and Journalism. The team works together to deliver professionally written and researched content to provide information for consumers.