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Green Remodel Your Home
Remodeling your home can be a stressful time without thinking about all of the high cost new “green” materials. Many people do not know that going green can be easy but changing just a few things in your home. While green remodeling, there are a few key ingredients needed: water consumption, energy consumption, indoor air quality, and material life cycle. This may look like a lot but can be done through just a few easy steps.
Water consumption can be managed by buying low consumption appliances such as certain dishwashers, washing machines and toilets. These appliances are now easy to find in any appliance warehouse. Replace plumbing fixtures with low flow fixtures; they save money and water and you won’t feel a difference. Most importantly, repairing any leaks at their cause.
Energy consumption may be managed by purchasing products such as HVAC systems; appliances and lighting that achieve an Energy Star Label have superior energy efficiency. Also, buying compact fluorescent bulbs save energy and last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. Improving insulation in the house can reduce energy consumption while improving the comfort of your home. Lastly, turn down your water heater from 150° F to about 125°F.
Indoor air quality can be improved by painting and sealing your house with a low volatile organic compound (VOC). Luckily, these can be found at any home improvement warehouse as well.
Materials used on your home improvement project should be recyclable, long lasting, and made from recyclable materials. Paints should be long lasting and made from recyclable paints, and wood should have an FSC certification. Many supplies found can be reused for future projects and can be found at any home improvement store or online. It is also important to consider if the packaging is biodegradable or recyclable.
Going green may seem like a hassle at the beginning but there are many benefits involved. You will have about 15-30% lower energy costs. Home equity value is expected to go up in the next decade because the "greeness" of your home may be an important consideration for the next buyer. Also, the economic stimulus package has included a lot of federal tax incentives for energy saving expenditures. The most important reason is you are saving the earth while adding comfort and meaning to your home. |
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