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Benefits of Choosing Eco-Friendly Construction Materials for Your Home

September 27, 2021August 20, 2022Bruzzese Home ImprovementsGreen Living, home improvementenergy efficient, green living, home improvementLeave a comment

Eco-friendly building materials have been a hot topic for the last fifty years, yet many people don’t know what it could mean for their homes. Is it too pricey? Do these products do what they say? Although there’s a learning curve with these materials: they’re fantastic when implemented correctly.

These are the top benefits of choosing eco-friendly construction materials for your home!

What Are Eco-Friendly Construction Materials?

The definition for what’s eco-friendly isn’t a simple one and seems to evolve. From the materials being sourced in green ways, to materials like bamboo, which are completely sustainable, to even items that can be recycled or repurposed when they’re no longer in use: many things can fall under this label.

Fortunately, that means you have a large selection. If you’re curious about these green materials, talk to your home contractor about what your options are! Wanting to live eco-friendly is a great goal.

These Materials Increase Your Home’s Value

Although this isn’t the main goal for many: it’s a wonderful perk. Through a poll, the National Association of Realtors has found that 68% of home buyers are seeking out green or energy-efficient homes. This means that there’s a major market out there for green properties.

A separate poll by NAR also found that almost 40% of home buyers agreed that they’d pay over $10,000 more for a home that’s built with eco-friendly materials like ashcrete. This gives these properties a large head start in the market and the opportunity to sell faster and for more money.

You Can Count On Them For Cleaner Air

Air is a problem that many have in mind. The EPA has found that most American households have more than two to three times the air pollutants inside than they do outside. These air pollutants can cause things like asthma, COPD, allergies, and dozens of other issues. Although you can buy an air purifier, it’s smarter to plan.

Most green products like insulated concrete forms don’t give off the pollutants you can find in most homes. This ensures that you’ll have cleaner air and a better chance at good lung health from the start.

Save Money On Water and Energy Costs

If there’s anything the average person hates: it’s the cost of their energy bills. NPR found that nearly a third of Americans struggle to cover their energy bills because they’re unpredictable except for the fact that they keep rising. This expense is mostly capable of being worked around if you’re getting to start the home from scratch.

Intelligent, eco-friendly construction can ensure that your home will be better insulated- from the paint that’s on your exterior to the insulation in your walls- and that the outside temperatures will be less likely to leech in. It’s not too late to add eco-friendly materials, even if your home isn’t brand new. A roof replacement can also help cut down energy costs and control the internal temperature.

Conserve and Restore Natural Resources

When it comes to kitchen renovation, many have the aesthetics in their mind first. There’s no problem with that; how your home looks matters and can inspire a lot of love for your property, but consider being eco-friendly as well. Well-sourced cabinetry can ensure that you’re not buying wood that would feed into deforestation instead of renewable wood. You can still have it in any look or finish you like, but sourcing it intelligently can make a huge difference.

Conserving natural resources ensures that your home puts less strain on the local ecology and protects the environment you’re building in.

Better Physical and Mental Health

Our physical and mental health are large deciding factors of our everyday life. Investing in an eco-friendly home can increase your happiness and reduce your likelihood of depression or anxiety symptoms. In addition, studies found that proximity to eco-friendly planning and construction boosts moods. Even having sustainable public transit available is enough to increase these numbers.

There are multiple theories for why this may be happening, but a large part comes down to enjoying your environment without feeling helpless to pollution and waste. Many people fear that no change they make will be enough, so it feels good to know that changing your home and being conscious about how it’s built can make lasting changes.

Eco-Friendly Construction Materials Are Life-Changing

Whether this is your first home and you want to start it off right, or this is a rental property, you want to offer your tenants the best things you can: choosing eco-friendly construction materials can make a large change in your life and comfort. So take a look at how your items are sourced, how they’re implemented, and the positive changes they can offer you in your daily life.

Live in the Middle of Nowhere? Here’s How to Keep Your Home Running

February 21, 2020July 26, 2021Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiency, Green Livingenergy efficient, green livingLeave a comment

Electric lines, Wi-Fi, cable television and tap water are just a few of the daily luxuries that most people take for granted. However, these little conveniences can become difficult to maintain when your home is in a secluded location. Whether you’re living in the middle of nowhere for a more sustainable lifestyle or just because of circumstances, here are four ways to keep your home running off-the-grid.

Keep the Lights On

One of the biggest challenges for homeowners living off the grid is establishing a reliable source of electricity, and solar panels are one of the most popular options. Solar panels have no moving parts, which means they are relatively maintenance-free, but they do require regular cleaning so they can absorb the sun’s rays efficiently. Purchase a solar panel cleaning kit and give your panels a scrub at least once per season.

Service Your Septic Tank

Homes in cities connect to a sewer system and let the city handle all the maintenance, but living in the middle of nowhere means you need a septic tank to deal with your household sewage. Dropping the ball on septic tank maintenance can lead to disaster, so remember to get your tank inspected and serviced on a regular basis. If you notice signs of septic failure like puddles in your yard or a backed-up toilet, call a septic tank repair service to fix the problem before it turns into a nightmare.

Stay Connected

Internet and cell phone service are vital to modern life, but securing these services in the middle of nowhere can be challenging. Despite a few shortcomings, satellite internet is usually the best option if you lack access to cable or fiber. Do you work from home and need to stay connected? Consider having a backup provider in case you lose service.

Don’t Run Dry

If you can’t hook into a municipal water system, your best bet is to have a well installed. Although a well eliminates the monthly water bill, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. The CDC recommends having your well inspected annually for mechanical problems, contaminants and bacteria. Consider installing a gasoline generator to keep your well running when the power goes out.

Do you live off-the-grid and wish that municipal utilities were available? Contact your nearest companies to see if they’re willing to bring their services out to you. You can also call your local government representatives to find out if there are any grants or programs that can help.

Guest Post By:

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.

The 7 Best Energy Efficiency Apps for Your Home (Infographic)

July 2, 2018June 19, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiencyenergy efficient, green livingLeave a comment

The words “energy efficiency” seem to be on the lips of many homeowners these days. Going green seems to be the new vogue with more and more people striving to reduce the energy they consume on a daily basis.

So, why should you consider improving the energy efficiency of your home? The most obvious reason is that energy efficient homes are better for the environment. About 22% of all energy consumption and 17% of greenhouse gas emissions comes from the residential sector. By taking a few simple steps, you can dramatically slash the environmental impact of your home.

Not only does improving your home’s energy efficiency help the planet, but such renovations have also been shown to yield fantastic financial benefits. Although such projects do cost money up-front, in many cases these investments are rapidly earned back in the form of reduced energy costs and added property value. For example, a typical energy efficient home saves homeowners $35 a month in energy costs.

As we all know, it’s not easy being green sometimes. If you are interested in greening your home but don’t know where to start you may want to consider using technology. The past few years have seen a slew of extremely useful mobile phone apps come on to the market which aim to help homeowners “green” their properties one notification at a time. No matter what size your project is, there will be an app to help you. However, with countless apps to choose from, it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for your needs.

Fortunately, the team at Calgary Window & Door Guys have produced a highly useful infographic guide which lays out the some of the best energy efficiency apps currently available. Ranging from the practical to the playful, each of the featured apps offers a unique way of assisting you with your home improvement project.

7 Home Improvement Tips to Make Your House Energy Efficient

May 25, 2018May 17, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvementLeave a comment

We are fortunate to be living in an era of fast paced technological development and innovation. You can find smart technologies, transportation efficiencies and useful appliances for almost any application which makes it easier for us to live with a smaller carbon footprint. With all these amazing innovations, why don’t people live greener lives? It is a common belief that going green is too expensive, but we are here to set the record straight.

If each one of us made at least one eco-friendly change, there would be significant impacts to the universe, our communities and our energy bills.

Energy efficiency means reducing the impact on the environment by consuming less energy. Energy efficient solutions promote a healthier environment, particularly for those suffering from modern-day conditions such as asthma or allergies.

With that in mind, here are 7 simple steps to help you make your home energy-efficient.

1. Replace Incandescent Bulbs with Florescent bulbs

Halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs offer you long-lasting light and are more energy-efficient than the old incandescent bulbs. Since the average home uses at least 20 bulbs, switching to greener bulbs is an excellent way to save your money.

2. Install Solar Panels

Solar panels are not cheap, but they are becoming trendy ways to heat your water and generate electricity for houses. They assist in saving money on energy bills, they promote lower fossil fuel usage, and they even help you qualify for annual tax incentives. Just install a solar system on your roof and cut down your electricity costs by generating energy independently.

3. Perform an Energy Audit.

By hiring a professional energy auditor, they can evaluate the inefficiencies and wasted energy in your home. They will help you in pinpointing saving opportunities and identify the areas that need improvements.

4. Add Insulation to Your Home

Insulation can help seal air leaks and improve your home’s heating and cooling costs. The idea is to make sure that you install proper insulation, weather stripping and other insulating techniques throughout your house, and you can do this yourself, or seek the services of an expert. If you hire an expert, ensure that they conform to HSE regulations in terms of safety gear and safety precautions and that they have a green energy certification.

5. Upgrade or replace your windows

If you have old and leaky windows, you might need to replace them with energy-efficient models or to boost their efficiency with weather-stripping and storm windows. Double panel windows and other vinyl frames are way energy-efficient than single pane windows and aluminum frames. You may also want to consider tinting your windows and keeping your drapes open to let in some light.

6. Purchase energy efficient appliances

When shopping for new appliances to help make your home more energy efficient, look for devices that have the HE logo. High energy-star certified appliances use less power, and while the upfront capital outlay needs to be considered, they are a long term investment. According to ByPurify, an energy star certified ionic air purifier consumes around 40% less energy than a standard air purifier, this equates to a saving of around $30 per year (and saves 225 kWh/year!)

7. Consider having a Programmable Thermostat

When you are not around, set your thermostat to a high temperature in the summer and to a low temp in the cold months. A programmable thermostat does not cost a lot, and they help you reduce your energy usage.

In conclusion, everyone should be able to find at least one or two things to do to ‘greenify’ your home even if you have a tight budget. By considering these steps, you will save energy and reduce the amount that you need to spend every month on electricity and heating.

The Road towards a Truly Energy-Efficient Master Bathroom

May 21, 2018April 1, 2021Bruzzese Home ImprovementsBathroom Remodeling, Energy Efficiencybathroom remodeling, energy efficient, green livingLeave a comment

The bathroom, along with the kitchen, is the most wasteful area in a modern household. Across the globe, homeowners are becoming increasingly aware of the consequences the modern lifestyle and resource-spending habits are having on the deteriorating eco-system, as well as their household budget.

In the wake of climate change and the growing scarcity of natural resources such as water and electricity, it is the duty of every household to optimize its spending across the board. Here is how to transform your master bathroom into an oasis of energy efficiency, effectively helping in the preservation of the environment and making long-term financial savings at the same time.

Replacing the traditional shower head

With the majority of traditional shower heads having a high flow rate (more than 2.5 gallons per minute), they cannot exactly bear the ribbon of water or energy efficiency. Quite the contrary, traditional showerheads greatly contribute to water waste in the modern household.

However, you can effectively cut down on water consumption while showering by simply replacing your old showerhead with a high-efficiency model that maintains pressure but lowers flow rate. Don’t worry, you won’t be able to tell the difference, but you will notice a decrease in water waste immediately.

Choosing energy-efficient lighting

Energy-efficient lighting is a staple of green living in the modern world, and just like you would introduce energy-saving light bulbs in other parts of your household, you want to introduce them in the master bathroom as well. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t stick to the healthy habit of turning the lights off when the bathroom is not in use.

Instead of traditional incandescent light bulbs, consider efficient LED lighting or even modern smart light bulbs that you can control from your smartphone, set the mood just right, and even change their colour with the push of a button.

shower

Conserving energy with a modern hot water system

Out of all the energy-efficient and water-saving solutions you can introduce into the room, switching up your hot water system will make the biggest impact on your overall spending and help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Modern solutions such as a highly efficient gas storage hot water system aim to minimise energy consumption while accommodating the needs of a growing family. This way, they do not only help decrease financial expenditure, but also aid in preserving the environment. When replacing your hot water system, be sure to work with a company that will safely and efficiently dispose of your old unit.

Opting for low-flow toilets

Modern homes usually already have a dual-flush toilet installed, allowing you to control water consumption per flush. However, if you don’t have a dual-flush toilet, you can opt to install a flush converter that will allow you to change the flush settings depending on your needs.

This simple addition can go a long way in reducing water waste in your home, as the amount of water regular flushing consumes is much more than an average situation requires. Just like the efficient shower head, the low-flow toilet will not sacrifice water pressure, just the amount of water used per flush.

Don’t forget about the faucets either

High-efficiency faucets, or faucet aerators, are not only readily available at any home centre but they are also affordable and highly effective amenities that can cut your water usage in half immediately. Much like the low-flow toilet or the efficient showerhead, faucet aerators reduce water consumption but preserve water pressure, so you will be able to reduce water waste without sacrificing a truly enjoyable bathroom experience.

While you’re upgrading your faucets, make sure you inspect the plumbing around the bathroom, and fix any leaks in the process. This will further help minimize water waste and in turn, elevate energy efficiency as well.

In the modern world, water or energy efficiency is no longer an option, but rather it has become the duty of every household to aid in the preservation of the environment in hopes of creating a better tomorrow. What’s more, by introducing these effective solutions into your master bathroom, you will be able to make long-term financial savings in the process.

Residential Energy Improvements That Really Pay Off

January 23, 2018January 10, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiency, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvementLeave a comment

Going green and making home energy improvements is a sure way to turn your home into a more eco-friendly, sustainable and healthy environment for you and your family. There are multiple benefits to energy retrofits: you reduce your carbon footprint, add value to your home and cut your utility bills, which enables you to invest your money into other areas of your life and have a healthier and more satisfying lifestyle.

Each home is different and the choice of retrofitting solutions is large, so it’s best to do detailed research to find out what would be the most effective system for you that will give you highest returns without clearing out your bank account.

Here are some ideas on how to realize your energy improvement project in the most cost-effective way.

Budget-friendly retrofits

Even on a very small budget, you can easily start your energy-saving retrofits by replacing your traditional light bulbs with LED ones. Their biggest advantage is the amount of energy they consume, which is about 25-80% less than the traditional lights. In addition to this, they can last from 5 to 25 times longer. In this way, they will save you a lot of energy and cut your power bill significantly.

Another big energy consumer in your home is your kitchen equipment. Investing in replacing your existing kitchen appliances with those marked Energy Star will not only cut your energy bill but it will also add to the resale value of your home.

Finally, there’s your heating/cooling system. With the traditional HVAC system, make sure the filters are cleaned on a regular basis so the system doesn’t go into overdrive to achieve the same results. Having a thermostat installed is a great addition as it gives you the option to set the climate control system so it reaches the optimal temperature at minimal cost.

Serious upgrades

According to more experienced homeowners who have done some energy retrofitting to their homes, the best way to go is to combine the installation of energy-efficient equipment with other, more serious upgrades, such as new doors and windows, home insulation and solar panels. By doing this, the energy savings become more obvious and tangible.

However, most people do not opt for these improvements unless they are absolutely necessary and mostly because their price tag is quite big. You can get great advice from energy experts and inspectors who can help you choose the best improvements for your home. Another great option is applying for additional budgeting options, such as the Ygrene Home Improvement Financing, for instance, which can help you pay for all of your larger upgrades with no upfront costs and balloon payments, with just one competitive rate locked long-term and paid through your property tax.

With additional funds available, you can opt for a bundle package that includes your doors and windows, insulation and solar panels.

Newer models of energy-efficient windows and doors are great at eliminating drafts and regulating the indoor temperature. They are more expensive, but well worth the investment in the long run.

Insulating your home is one of the best retrofits that you can do as proper insulation from the basement to the attic significantly reduces heat loss and saves overall heating/cooling costs.

The final option to consider is installing solar panels that greatly contribute to the general energy-efficiency of your home in addition to being one of the best eco-friendly upgrades that give you an environmentally-friendly source of energy and lower your carbon footprint.

Home energy improvements are not a passing trend but an ongoing process that can significantly improve the quality and comfort of our daily lives and seriously reduce our carbon footprint and demand we impose on natural resources. With all the affordable financing options, this goal is easily achievable but if you don’t take the plunge, you aren’t saving anything yet. And, there’s no better time to start than right now!

6 Plumbing Upgrades And Fixes That Lead To A Greener Home

December 11, 2017Bruzzese Home ImprovementsEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Plumbingenergy efficient, green living, plumbingLeave a comment

Green building refers to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, sustainable materials, and insulated windows and walls. Today, green plumbing is also becoming popular because water consumption is a huge factor in any building’s environmental footprint (incidentally, drought-prone Australia has led the green plumbing movement).

‘Greening’ your plumbing will reduce your home energy costs. But apart from improving your utility bills, green plumbing also provides cleaner water and conserves valuable water resources. Most importantly, going green is about passing a better world to the next generations. It helps the environment by saving energy and water and using eco-friendly materials.

Here are some of the plumbing upgrades and fixes that property owners today must consider to attain a greener home. To make sure that these fixtures run efficiently, you must hire a licensed plumber install them.

1. Low-Flow Showerheads

Normal-flow showerheads make use of about six to seven gallons every minute, and the water comes out at 80 psi. If you want to use less water with normal showerheads, the stream is flat and insubstantial, which offers an unsatisfactory shower experience.

Low-flow showerheads will solve this problem by forcing the water towards a narrower opening. In turn, this will reduce the amount of water that will come out while maintaining the pressure at 80 psi for a strong stream.

There are two design types allowing you to get a reduced water flow without the need to sacrifice water pressure. The laminar design uses individual parallel water streams that will reduce the stream while showering. The other type is the aerator design, which pulls air via the air ducts.

2. Eco-Friendly Toilets

The conventional toilet makes use of about 13.25-18.93 litres (3.5 to 5 gallons) of water every time you flush. The older versions use about 26.5 litres (7 gallons) of water. Toilets made after 1992 uses 6 litres (1.6 gallons) of water per flush. Today, new designs with eco-friendly features are more in-demand. They only make use of 4.85 litres (1.28 gallons) per flush. So get a new toilet now to conserve more water.

3. Up-to-date Taps

Old taps use plenty of water and their inefficiency increases as they age. Most modern styles of taps have luxury features like longer tap heads, low-flow designs, portable extensions, and convenient handless water shut off for better functionality. Surely, you will be amazed at the different options available in the market today.

Adding an aerator to these taps can also save water and money. Aerators will increase water pressure by adding air to water flow whilst reducing the amount of water used.

4. Tankless Water Heaters

Although conventional water heaters have improved when it comes to energy efficiency, they still waste a significant amount of money. They let the water sit in the tank whilst continually heating it until the household is ready to use it. And when you are ready to use it, you have to wait for it to get hot. No wonder today’s tankless water heaters are popular.

Tankless water heaters will warm water on demand, which saves an incredible amount of energy while making sure that you don’t run out of hot water. This kind of water heater is an excellent water-saving option that is also worth evaluating.

5. Piping and Insulation

Most plumbing systems in homes aren’t insulated properly; this will cause heat loss, making your water heater work harder. Plumbing experts recommend insulating your pipes as soon as possible.

Older pipes with galvanized steel easily corrode, thus blocking the system. Grey or blue poly, on the other hand, are prone to leaks. As such, you must let the experts in plumbing services replace your old pipes today.

6. Modern Appliances

The most visible feature of a plumbing system would be the appliances. Updating your appliances to their eco-friendly versions will add significant value to your home. Most modern appliances require a smaller amount of water while providing superior functionality. Consider switching out the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine for new models. This upfront investment will pay off well in the long run.

Do not wait for your plumbing fixtures to break down or malfunction before making an upgrade. You must start conserving water and saving money on water bills. If you don’t upgrade your plumbing system, you could literally be flushing your hard-earned money down the drain.

AUTHOR BIO

Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer. Since 2001 the company has specialised in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.

The Ultimate Houseplant Cheat Sheet

August 9, 2017admininfographicDIY projects, green living, home trends, infographicLeave a comment

The quality of the air we breathe every day is so important to our overall health. This infographic from Capital Garden Services takes you through the health implications of indoor air pollution and takes you through the best plants for each room. Research has shown that indoor air pollution can increase our risk of stroke by 34% so it really is worth taking the time to read through the infographic and finding the perfect plants for your home.

Sometimes, people buy plants and are a bit unsure of how to take care of them. They might put them in the wrong room or water them too much or too little. For example, many plants, such as the Chinese evergreen and the English ivy, require much less water in winter so it’s important to keep things like this in mind.

Also, some plants need less sun than others. For example, the Snake Plant is a great addition to the bedroom and it needs minimal direct sunlight. Find out more in the infographic.

Green Movement: Effective Home Improvements

July 29, 2017adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvement, home remodeling, home trendsLeave a comment

There are lots of reasons to remodel, renovate, or update your home. You might do so in order to eventually put your residence up for sale or you might do so in order to create a more livable place for you and yours. But one common motivation these days is the desire to be more energy efficient to reduce the end-of-month energy bill. If this strikes a chord with you, getting aboard the green movement bandwagon can bring about tangible results. So read on for effective home improvements that will allow you to live green, save money, and improve home value.

ATTIC INSULATION

While it’s not exactly the most exciting home improvement measure, adequate attic insulation will help you to keep down your heating costs during the cold weather months. If you live in an older residence, chances are that your attic does not have enough insulation…and it’s possible that it actually has no insulation at all. Have it checked and get enough insulation in your attic. This could potentially save you hundreds of bucks during the cold weather season. While you’re at it, ensure that your walls also have enough insulation.

KITCHEN

When it comes to your kitchen, there are lots of things you can do to make this popular space more energy efficient as well as eco-friendly. Depending on how extensive the remodeling, you can swap your cabinets for options that have the stamp of approval from the Forest Stewardship Council. Wood and wood products with such certification are obtained employing responsible forest management efforts, and they’re made with glues that don’t have formaldehyde. You can also get green countertops that are made from recycled or sustainable products and that are manufactured courtesy of eco-friendly methods. Among other options, you can also upgrade your kitchen with energy efficient equipment like a new fridge, freezer, or dishwasher. And don’t forget to get fluorescent lighting, which employs much less energy versus incandescent lighting.

GARDEN

While a garden might not seem to fit the theme, what better demonstrates that you’re really committed to the green movement than would developing and maintaining a wonderful garden? A garden will give your home more curb appeal in the event that you put it up for sale, make your residence a more inviting place for your family and guests to congregate, and reflect on the outside of your home what you’re hoping to accomplish on the inside of your home. Gardening is, as some put it, a lifestyle. So it’s best to do it right to get the best results.

WINDOWS

According to one source, the average cost to install over 10 windows is $14,504; the average cost to replace between five and 10 windows is $4,917; and the average cost to replace under five windows is $2,219. Of course, there are various factors that come into play to determine how much it will cost. Another source notes that a typical home that opts for windows with the Energy Star rating can save between $126 and $465 annually when changing their single-pane windows. How can you tell if you need new windows? If you live in an older house, you might notice that your windows are drafty. It’s not difficult to determine if this is the case. All you’ll need to do is hold your hand up around the windows to determine if you can feel air. Should you feel air, you can save money by replacing your windows. Over time, the savings on your heating and cooling bills will exceed what you paid to buy and install your windows.

These are just a few effective home improvements you can make if you want to be part of the green movement. So live green, save money, and increase the valuation of your residence.

A Few Ways to Make Your Old House the Greenest One in the Neighborhood

March 10, 2017adminEnergy Efficiency, Green Living, Home Improvement Tipsenergy efficient, green living, home improvementLeave a comment

Redecorating your house is never easy, especially if you’re trying to do something special with it. Cosmetic changes are always appreciated, but what if you could make a bigger difference with a simple home makeover? Namely, what if you could help your environment become healthier and greener by using specific techniques and materials during your renovation process? In case you’re looking for ways to make your old house greener and save some energy and money in the process, here are a few tips that might come in handy.

Insulation, Insulation, Insulation

The absolutely best way to ensure that your house is energy-efficient, eco-friendly and environmentally safe is by getting proper insulation. You don’t have to do much and spend a small fortune, but a well-thought-out plan can do wonders for your house’s sustainability and efficiency.

First, start with an energy audit – do it on your own or let a professional determine what needs to be done. Then, get in touch with a reliable contractor who will install insulation on your exterior walls and spice up your house with a new coat of paint. Finally, think about indoor insulation that will only improve all your hard work.

Doors and Windows

Once you’ve insulated your house, it’s time to pay attention to details. What many people don’t know is that the biggest portion of energy is lost through windows and doors, simply because they’re outdated and in need of replacement.

The easiest way to go is by weatherstripping using rubber, plastic, foam or silicone. Although this sounds complicated, it’s actually quite easy – it’s just a matter of locating and sealing loose parts of your doors and windows so that the air can’t pass through. That way, you’ll practically seal your home from the inside and prevent leaks, thus saving energy by having more control over your indoor temperature. Alternatively, you can install double glazed windows that may be expensive, but are highly effective and save you lots of money in the long run.

Solar Panels

Now, if you want to achieve an even better synergy of architecture and green approach to life, take solar panels into serious consideration. These will make your house more aesthetically appealing and instantaneously turn it into the talk of the neighborhood. Additionally, as a great alternative source of creating and preserving energy, they’ll do wonders for your bills. Of course, you don’t have to go all in and cover your entire roof with solar panels, but adding a few might do the trick.

When choosing how to install solar panels, it’s probably better to consult a professional instead of trying to deal with them on your own. If you want to get the best results, they have to be installed properly – not to mention that you simply must pick the best solar panels you can find. Additionally, by choosing only the best brands and service, you can make sure that you will enjoy your panels for a long time.

Ceiling Fans

When it comes to interior decorating, there’s nothing more unique than a ceiling fan. After being very popular in the mid-20^th century, these are making a huge comeback today. Their vintage look makes them perfect for people who want to introduce class into their homes and aren’t afraid to experiment. Further, these things will effectively and cheaply lower the temperature of any room during summer, especially if you have high ceilings. Once installed – you can probably handle this by yourself – these fans will work almost for free for years and years to come. Ultimately, these are also useful when it comes to heating your house in winter. By applying slight adjustments, they can rotate in a different manner and circulate hot air from the ceiling downwards.

Other Ideas

Some of the other ways to ensure that your house is the greenest in your street include equipping all your light fixtures with LED light bulbs, adjusting your water heater, insulating your attic and basement and updating your heating system. Finally, you could plant a tree or two in your front and backyard and enjoy the comfortable shade they’ll provide you with during summer.