Renovation tips for a green home

If you’re planning a renovation of your home, this time around you can take a few eco-friendly elements into consideration. These green updates will make your home more energy- and water-efficient, less harmful to the environment, and friendlier to your wallet! So, here are a few renovation tips that will green up your home.

Choose sustainable materials

No matter the extent of your renovation, you can always green up the place with a few sustainable materials. For instance, choose sustainable hardwood or cork flooring, purchase cabinets made of repurposed materials, or reuse materials (bricks and wood pieces) left from your demolition.

These sustainable, repurposed and reused materials will not cause additional deforestation, and they will leave a much smaller environmental impact behind them!

Boost insulation

Since your cooling and heating hogs a lot of power (almost 50% of your total power usage), it’s very important to keep your cool air inside in the summer and outside in the winter. So, make sure to pay some additional insulation to your walls, attic and floors. Also, your windows and doors have to be energy-efficient and well-sealed.

For instance, double-glazed windows have much better temperature insulation than the old ones, so consider giving your windows an upgrade. If you’re handy with tools, you can boost your insulation without calling an expert.

However, take care to ensure your safety! Every time you’re working on your exterior envelope that is close to the power line, it’s best to have a practical insulated scaffolding screen that will protect you from any shocking surprises. It will also allow you to work in peace and privacy, so it’s a double win!

Reconsider your window placement

People of today are relying too much on air conditioning in their everyday lives. However, if you just remodel your space a bit, you can boost your home’s natural ventilation and ensure a good flow of fresh air through your home!

Windows and doors that are well-positioned cannot only decrease the need for the AC, but also provide your interior with ample natural light. All of these can lower your energy bill and make your home greener and efficient.

Invest in new appliances

If your house is full of old appliances that barely work, it’s time to replace them with something modern and energy-efficient. New Energy Star appliances require much less electricity to perform their tasks than your old traditional ones. Plus, they look very sleek and elegant!

Today, practically all electronic devices, appliances and gadgets can be energy-saving, from fridges and stoves to laptops and coffee machines, so keep your eyes open for the Energy Star label during your next purchase.

Harness the Sun

If you really want to embrace green energy and the sustainable way of living, you might want to invest in a solar panel system. Solar panels of today are super-efficient, more affordable than ever, and even very aesthetically appealing!

But, the very best thing about them is that they allow you to become more (or even completely) energy-independent, and even earn some money by selling electricity to your supplier. However, they sure are a big expense, so if you’re not ready to invest this big, go smaller with a solar water heater, or solar lighting!

Conserve water

More and more countries and people are battling with drought daily, which makes wasting water very irresponsible and selfish. Luckily, there are easy ways to do your part and help water conservation! For instance, you can invest in water-efficient dish washers, low-flow toilets, and faucets with aerators.

These decrease water waste while allowing you to perform your usual tasks and enjoy your commodities. You can also take a look at your garden and plants that grow there. Do they need plenty of irrigation to thrive? If yes, then replace them local plants that are used to the weather conditions of your area or invest in drought-resistant ones that need almost no water to grow!

As you can see, every little green addition and upgrade counts. So, don’t hesitate to do your part towards saving the Earth and leaving a better future for our kids!