It’s a known fact that home renovation projects can be expensive. What if there was an option to do the same project, but for cheaper and better for the environment? Here are eight ideas of environmentally friendly home renovations you can try – from painting your walls with chalkboard paint to adding solar panels!
Install Solar Panels
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Solar energy is a type of renewable energy that comes from the sun. It is an excellent source of energy for homes and businesses because it is environmentally friendly and sustainable. According to Big Sky Energy solar installations, “you may be eligible for government rebates that can dramatically lower your upfront costs” saving you money from the get-go. Solar energy is also a great option for people who want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. There are a few different ways that you can use solar energy in your home. You can install solar panels on your roof, which will convert the sun’s rays into electricity that you can use to power your appliances and lights. You can also install solar thermal collectors to heat your water.
This is arguably the most popular environmentally friendly home renovation project. Installing solar panels can save you a lot of money on your energy bill in the long run and is great for the environment!
Upgrade Your Appliances
Are you doing a little kitchen upgrade? Why not take a closer look at replacing those old ones with new, more energy-efficient ones. This is another way to save money and they really don’t cost that much more than the appliance you already have. Energy Star appliances are up to 75 percent more efficient than regular appliances and can lower your electric bill by quite a bit each year.
All Energy Star appliances have a little label with the Energy Star logo. The label tells you how much energy the appliance uses and how it compares to other models. You can compare the annual operating cost of two different appliances, or compare the efficiency of two different appliance models.
Insulate Your Home
Insulation is one of the most important things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient. It is a barrier that helps keep your indoor air warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are many different types of insulation, and it is important to choose the right type for your climate and home. For example, if you live in a cold climate, you will want to install insulation that will keep the warm air in your home and the cool air out. If you live in a hot climate, you will want to install insulation that will keep the cool air in your home and the hot air out.
Weatherize Your Home
Windows are one of the main sources of energy loss in a home. Replacing old, drafty windows with new energy-efficient ones can greatly reduce your heating and cooling costs. This is why it is important to weatherize your home. Weatherizing your home is a great way to make it more energy-efficient without spending a lot of money. There are many different ways to weatherize your home, and you can do as much or as little as you want. Some common ways to weatherize your home include installing weatherstripping around doors and windows, adding insulation, and sealing cracks and gaps in the walls and ceilings.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats let you set the temperature in your home when you are at home and away. You can even schedule a time for it to automatically turn on or off, based on whether or not someone is home. Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to make your home more energy efficient because it lets you control how much energy your air conditioner and heater use when you aren’t there.
Get Energy Efficient Finishes
Another way to save money and be more environmentally friendly is to install energy-efficient finishes in your home. Energy-efficient showerheads save water and reduce hot water usage in your home by up to 50 percent. They do this by controlling the flow of water through a valve that closes when the ideal temperature is reached, preventing warm water from going down the drain while the shower is still running.
Also consider replacing your old light bulbs with new, energy-efficient ones. Old light bulbs use a lot of energy and generate a lot of heat. They are also filled with toxic chemicals, making them impossible to recycle AND they need to be disposed of in a specific way. New LED and CFL light bulbs use much less energy and generate very little heat.
It is important to be environmentally friendly and save money when you can. There are many different things that people overlook when they do home renovations, but these ideas will help ensure your projects don’t cost too much while also making a difference for the environment. If you’re looking for more tips on how to make your house eco-friendly or need some advice on which project is best for you, we have experts ready to answer any questions.
