If you’re looking to renovate your home to become a more environmentally friendly home, there are many options to choose from. From adding insulation to your hot water pipes, to removing unnecessary items, there are many ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your home.
Plan your renovations
If you are in the market for a makeover, consider putting a spin on the greenest home on the block. Using eco friendly materials can make your home greener and healthier for your family. The good thing is that it is not all that hard to do. To get started, read up on a few key steps to make your home a green oasis.
Using salvaged materials is the way to go. For instance, you can use recycled plastic bottles as toilet paper and you can even reuse the water from your shower. You can also opt for low emission windows and appliances, which are good for the planet and your pocketbook.
One way to go about this is to ask your contractor. The best part of this is that you will be able to save your cash. Plus, you will get a better deal on your new house. What is more, you are getting a professional who is up to speed on all the latest green home building and remodeling trends. Not to mention the best possible customer service.
As you embark on your next home improvement project, be sure to savor the experience. Take note of the small details and make your next project a memorable one for you and your loved ones. Of course, you may want to find a competent green contractor to make your next remodel a success.
Select eco-friendly materials
When you want to make your home more energy efficient, you need to consider a variety of eco-friendly materials. Reclaimed wood is a great example. It can be used for flooring, walls, counter tops, and cabinetry. The material is also lightweight, which makes it ideal for structural framing.
Insulation is another important part of a green home. Not only does it help keep your family comfortable and reduce noise, it also improves the energy efficiency of your home.
Using recycled materials is another good way to go green. Materials like plastic from two-liter bottles can be spun into fiber for carpets. For even greater sustainability, try using local manufacturing. By reducing transportation and manufacturing emissions, you can also save on energy bills.
One of the biggest benefits of an eco-friendly home is the improved air quality. The outside air is full of allergens and other pollutants. Replacing old appliances with new energy-efficient models can reduce your family’s exposure. You may even be able to receive tax credits for your energy savings.
There are plenty of other ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials into your home. You can repurpose items such as light fixtures and door knobs. If you don’t have time for a full home renovation, you can do individual room remodels to get your green on.
You can also save money by utilizing salvaged materials. These items are often discarded by manufacturers, but can still be found at a thrift store or antique shop. You might want to use eco-friendly materials according to Pro Renovation Contractor so that you don’t compromise on functionality.
Assess your home’s energy performance certificate (EPC)
If you are thinking about renovating your home to become environmentally friendly, you should assess your home’s energy performance certificate (EPC). This document shows your property’s energy efficiency rating, as well as estimates of the cost of heating and lighting.
EPCs are important for many reasons. For one, they help prospective buyers compare the energy efficiency of different properties. They also provide cost and savings estimates for home improvements.
An Energy Performance Certificate is required by law for any building, whether a residential or commercial property. It can be viewed online or printed.
There are two main parts to the EPC, and they are each divided into a number of sections. Part 1 shows the date the certificate is valid, while part 2 is a description of the property and its estimated energy costs.
The EPC is made by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor, who is registered under an approved certification scheme. Domestic Energy Assessors can produce EPCs in Wales, England, and Northern Ireland.
Home owners and landlords should take the time to understand and implement any recommendations. Recommendations can include making repairs to a boiler or installing wall insulation.
A lower EPC can be a deal breaker for future buyers. In addition, it can help reduce running costs for tenants. Getting an EPC is a legal requirement, and failing to get one can result in a fine.
When you are ready to sell or rent your property, make sure to give your prospective tenants a copy of the EPC. You can check with your local building control department for advice on EPCs.
Add insulation around hot water pipes
Insulating hot water pipes is a great way to make your home more energy efficient. It can reduce heating costs and minimize the amount of humidity in your home in the summer. In addition, it can prevent accidental burns on hot pipes.
There are several types of insulation you can use around your pipes. These range from foam sleeves to pipe wrap insulation. Pipe wrap is especially good if you have a long water supply pipe and a lot of bends. The sleeve is split lengthwise and fits over the pipe. You can also get a self-sealing foam sleeve.
Foam pipe insulation can be added any time of year. It can be purchased in eight foot lengths and is easy to apply. Once it is on the pipe, you can secure it with cable zip ties or tape.
Fiberglass pipe wrap is a better choice for those who want to insulate a large section of pipe. It is also more affordable than other forms of insulation. With its high R-value, fiberglass pipe wrap provides more insulation than the standard R-2. However, it is prone to cracks and holes.
If you have an old house with leaks and air infiltration, you may want to insulate your water supply pipes. This can help prevent cold and frozen pipes and can reduce the amount of condensation in your home.
Adding insulation to your hot water pipes is an easy and inexpensive green home improvement. Having a little extra money in the budget can be a great investment.
Salvage and re-use materials
If you are thinking about remodeling your house into an environmentally friendly home, it’s important to consider how you can salvage and re-use materials. This will help you save money and reduce the carbon footprint of your remodeling project.
Building supply stores typically carry a wide variety of recycled materials. These materials include doors, windows, flooring, millwork, plumbing fixtures, and more. Many of these materials are durable and can be used to add a unique touch to your new construction.
There are also a number of nonprofit organizations that accept usable household materials. For example, Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of building materials.
However, not all people have access to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Another good source of free or inexpensive reclaimed materials is Craigslist.
If you’re looking for a unique touch to your remodel, reclaimed wood is a great choice. It’s durable, energy efficient, and handsome. Wood can be used in floors, counter-tops, and walls.
Buying reclaimed materials can also make your project more eco-friendly. You will be reducing your carbon footprint and recycling materials, saving money and time. In addition, you will be avoiding a trip to the landfill.
Reclaimed building materials are often more environmentally-friendly than new materials. They are commonly made from demolished buildings. They can be purchased for about 50-75% less than brand-new. Their unique history and appearance can add a special touch to any remodel.
Reduce your home’s carbon footprint
There are many things you can do to reduce your home’s carbon footprint. You can do things such as using energy efficient appliances, making use of the right kind of insulation, and installing a solar panel. This will not only help you save money on your energy bill, but also make your home a more environmentally friendly place to live.
A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide that a particular activity or product produces. It is usually expressed in terms of equivalent tons of carbon dioxide.
The easiest way to reduce your home’s carbon footprint is to simply cut back on energy consumption. If you can, use products that are high in the energy star ratings. Another option is to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk helps you avoid single-use plastics, which also help cut down on pollution.
Energy efficient appliances are becoming more affordable. In addition, some utility companies offer free energy audits. They can identify problems and recommend ways to improve energy efficiency.
Insulating your walls and attic will also help you save money. And installing a smart thermostat is another great way to cut down on your energy costs.
Making use of solar power can also significantly decrease your household’s carbon footprint. By feeding excess solar power into the grid, you can lower your electricity bills.
Cutting down on water usage can also be a big help. To increase your efficiency, turn off electrical devices when not in use, and use water-saving appliances.
