Green Remodeling Ideas for an Eco-friendly and Energy-efficient Home

Green Remodeling Ideas for an Eco-friendly and Energy-efficient Home

Since the 2013 proposed budget regarding power efficiency and green energy by the Obama administration, many homeowners have taken drastic steps toward investing in energy-efficient and ecological renovations for their homes. This goes a long way in minimizing the negative effects of using excessive and harmful energy on the environment, in addition to helping homeowners save on household utility bills by reducing power consumption. Moreover, green home renovations that were initially perceived to be too expensive and complex have gradually proved to be quite affordable and achievable. Below are a few renovation strategies that homeowners can utilize to create eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes:

Energy-efficient Windows

These are critical components for both modern and older homes. These windows will come in handy when looking to minimize heat loss, particularly during the cold seasons. This, in turn, reduces the amount of electricity required to power your HVAC system. Energy-efficient windows are either double- or triple-pane windows. Eco-friendly materials comprising these windows include sustainably harvested wooden frames and fiberglass that is made of sand.

Green Kitchen Countertops

When replacing your kitchen countertops, it’s always advisable to go for eco-friendly materials. While these will do nothing to reduce your energy bills, they boast sustainable and recyclable constituents that are not only durable but also great at saving the landfill. Green countertop options include recycled glass and paper, as well as reclaimed wood. For your modern kitchen, you may go for countertops made of recycled aluminum comprising 50 to 60 percent recycled materials.

Eco-friendly Flooring

There are numerous types of eco-friendly flooring materials, with each boasting unique advantages. Hardwood, for instance, is incredibly durable. When properly installed by a competent company dealing with flooring in Orange County, it creates a buffer that helps retain warmth during winter and cool temperatures in summer. While hardwood may appear counterintuitive to the conservation of the environment, purchasing those that are certified by The Forest Stewardship Council supports the efforts of keeping the world green as they only approve the use of sustainably harvested wood. Vinyl planks, on the other hand, appear like wood and are made predominately of recycled materials. They are also water-resistant, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Other eco-friendly flooring materials include cork, natural stone, linoleum, and bamboo.

Large Windows and Skylights

skylights

Installing large windows and skylights serve to bring natural light into a home. These items should be installed strategically in places like the guest bathroom, kitchen, and living room, which are commonly used during the day. Ideally, you should invest in skylights with automated blinds to block the sun when the need arises. When used correctly, skylights and large windows will go a long way in cutting down on the overall power consumption in a home.

Smart Home Thermostats

While this isn’t an obvious home renovation idea, it goes a long way in reducing power consumption. These devices are connected directly to the HVAC and electronic devices and are used to control them from a distance. This allows you to adjust your home’s HVAC system or switch it off when not in use. Some of these devices can even be programmed to control the electronics and HVAC system on their own.

When it comes to renovating homes, only a handful of people contemplate both efficiency and aesthetics. However, adding eco-friendly floors, energy-efficient windows, smart thermostats and skylights, as well as large windows, can transform a home from standard to eco-friendly. These additions will also serve to enhance your home’s value and cut down on household energy consumption.

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