Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades: Renovate Smart, Not Hard

But, today we are going to look at some practical home improvement ideas that you can implement: ones which do not require a ton of cash and yet add real value.

You can learn how to choose greener products and energy-efficient appliances, use sustainable materials in your home improvement projects – all for a healthier future. Are you excited to hop on the eco-friendly renovation train? Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Energy Saving: To save on electric bills, have energy saving appliances installed.
• Sustainable Materials – Eg: Opting for natural building materials like bamboo and recycled wood instead of new sustainable material.
• How to Save Water: Use water-saving appliances to reduce your household water use.
• Insulation: Increase insulation in your home to keep the temperature more manageable and save on heating/cooling costs.
• Green Energy: You can also look at installing solar panels or a wind turbine to go green.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Selecting Appliances with Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest changes you can make to your home is swapping out existing appliances with energy-efficient ones. When you decide to buy a new dishwasher, refrigerator freezer or clothes washer, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Frequent upgrades are from refrigerators, to washing machines and dishwashers – all available of course with a great energy efficient design that will greatly reduce electricity costs in the long run. On top of that, there are often rebates or tax incentives available for energy-efficient appliances.

Smart Thermostats

The simplest step you can take, which is also one of the most effective in terms of lowering your energy usage thanks to those solid attic and wall insulation tips above: install a smart thermostat. Control them from anywhere, schedule what times they operate and these feel how your family operates in a home, making it the most efficient possible. Away from the main unit, multiple models can be controlled remotely using an app on your smartphone. Show smart thermostats can use to set a moderate temperature without heating or cooling the house

Reclaimed materials for renovation.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is also one of the best sustainable materials to use in flooring because it grows fast and does not have a large carbon footprint. Instead of alternate (and slower-growing) hardwoods that can take decades to mature, bamboo regenerates in only a few years. It is also very resilient and comes in many different types of styles as well as finishes so there are plenty to choose from. This bamboo flooring not only looks good but also leads to a healthier indoor environment, as it will reduce allergen causing particles and provide an allergen free non-toxic surface.

Recycled Wood

Recycled wood can also be an excellent solution in more environmentally-friendly renovation scenarios. Reclaimed wood and other salvaged materials (old barns, factories, warehouses) bring rustic character to your vacation home. This kind of wood has withstood the test of time, and so serves as a durable & eco-friendly choice. Reclaimed wood also reduces demand for new lumber, which preserves forests and eliminates carbon emissions caused by logging or processing.

Water Conservation Techniques

Low-Flow Fixtures

Installing low-flow fixtures in your 1 Place reduces water usage, without sacrificing performance. Low-flow showerheads and faucets, as their name implies, use less water (at a pressure you won’t be able to discern), saving gallons of water with no additional effort on your part. Since they reduce the volume of water you and your family use on a daily basis, these fixtures not only conserve an increasingly precious natural resource but also mean lower water bills for you. Fortunately, stylish and affordable low-flow fixtures are available today that can provide a simple upgrade for virtually any home.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting systems are designed to collect and store rainwater to be used later on in such applications as watering your garden or flushing toilets. This method reduces your dependence on municipal water supplies and saves water, especially in drought-prone areas. The rain water harvest system may be as simple as a rain barrel connected to the end of your downspout, or it could involve an underground storage tank with filtration. Either way, it is a simple and “green” remedy for using the right quantity of water.

Enhancing Home Insulation

Insulating Walls and Attics

A key part of keeping a comfortable temperature in your home and limiting the amount you need to run your HVAC system, is dependant on proper insulation. This will help reduce heat loss in the winter and make it easier to keep your home cool during the summer. Types of eco-friendly insulation include cellulose, which is made from recycled paper and cotton; as well as wool – a 100% natural and renewable resource. Well, good insulation not only makes your home more energy efficient; it can also save you thousands in heating and cooling expenses.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Installing energy-efficient windows can drastically improve your home insulation. This means the windows will not transfer heat, which in turn helps to keep your home warm during winter and cool throughout summer. Look for double or triple glazing windows with low-e coatings and insulated frames. Combined, these features help cut down on energy loss and make for a more comfortable home. Although they may be a bit of an upfront cost, the savings you would gain in energy bills over many years will make it all worth while for that extra air to stay inside.

Renewable Energy Sources

Solar Panels

One of the most recommended methods you can adopt to cut down on your fossil fuel consumption at home and reduce energy bills is by installing solar panels. Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight to energy. Solar panels have the capability of producing enough power to cover most, if not all your home energy needs (circumstantial on location and system size). Furthermore, several governments provide considerable rebates and incentives for domestic solar panels making them more cost-effective.

Wind Turbines

Small residential wind turbines are an extremely promising renewable energy option for people living in places with a reliable source of continuous wind. Wind turbines produce electricity using the force of the wind, and this offered energy can be used to power your house. Although they are not as common as solar panels, wind turbines can be very effective in rural or coastal areas characterized by strong and constant wind patterns. Similar to solar panels, wind turbines may also be eligible for a variety of grants and rebates that can help lower the initial cost to install.

Conclusion

Creating an environment friendly home need not be a herculean task. With an array of smart, sustainable upgrades to zero in on, you will want a professional helping hand that values the environment as much-or more-than it does your overall financial health. There are many ways you can live sustainably, from energy-efficient appliances and smart thermostats to using sustainable materials in your furniture or going completely renewable.

Every little change helps to build a greener future! Which is why you’re going to want to, you guessed it: Take another baby step and begin by tackling the upgrades that make sense for your house and budget. Let’s turn this tide, one green renovation at a time.

Energy Efficiency FAQ

Why Choose Bamboo Flooring?

The manufacturing of bamboo results in a much faster turnover and fewer harmful materials so it has become the top choice for anyone looking to make their home more sustainable. Best of all it is strong, resists allergens and comes in different styles which ensures a great finish; making bamboo an ideal eco-friendly material to get for your next refurbishment.

How a smart thermostat save energy?

Sensors drive smart thermostats to adapt the heating and cooling setup based on your schedule, making sure that everything is as efficient as possible. With the ability to be controlled remotely they can better maintain an even temperature and keeps tabs on when you are not home which in turn saves a huge chunk of energy.

So, What is Rainwater Harvesting And Why Should You Do It For Your Home?

Rainwater harvesting is the collection of rain water, Instead of allowing it to run off, so that it may be used for gardening and toiletry works which reduce demand on mains supply. Redistributions are also one change towards sustainable development as they conserve water in drought-prone areas.

Are Energy-Efficient Windows Worth It?

Energy-efficient windows will help prevent the transfer of heat in and out of your house, which can keep intruders comfortable all year while also reducing energy losses. It is a fact that when installed its investment costs are more than any other air conditioning system, but the storage of this energy in the medium and long term usually pays off.

Now for the big question: how effective can residential wind turbines be in a city?

Residential wind turbines are most effective in rural or coastal areas with strong prevailing wind patterns. They might not be as ideal in urban environments due to obstructions and less stable wind.