Did you know that the average American has a carbon footprint of over 20 metric tons each year? This carbon is emitted into the atmosphere and is a huge contributor to global warming.
One of the primary sources of carbon emission is the home. Appliances, electricity, and HVAC systems all require significant amounts of energy to run.
Luckily, there are things to that environmentally conscious homeowners can do to make their homes more eco-friendly. Ready to get started with a green renovation? Here’s what you need to know.
Replace Old Appliances
Old, inefficient appliances like your washer and dryer, your oven, your refrigerator, and your dishwasher can all be huge energy drains. Switching out these old appliances can be a good way to cut down on the energy our home uses.
Improve Insulation
Your home climate system is another feature of your home that uses a lot of energy. Effective insulation is essential to making sure that the energy does not escape out of your home.
In addition to insulation in the walls, it’s also important to understand other ways that heating and cooling escape. For instance, thick, double-paned windows will retain the temperature in your home more than old, thin ones.
A cracked foundation of your home can also allow air to escape. If you don’t know how to repair foundation cracks, it’s a good idea to contact a knowledgeable contractor to help.
Choosing Sustainable Materials
If you’re planning to do a major renovation to your home’s flooring, cabinets or hardware, then choosing sustainable materials can be a good way to reduce waste.
For instance, one good choice is reusing existing building materials for your home. You can either look for places that sell reclaimed materials, or you can reclaim them yourself.
Additionally, try to purchase materials that are renewable. Look for woods that are harvested sustainably, rather than ones that contribute to deforestation.
Also, think about reusing materials from demolition. If you knock down walls or pull up floors, you’ll like have some bricks or wood pieces. These materials can be reused for your project, or for another project.
Save Water
Electricity and energy are not the only sources of waste from your home. Homes also use a lot of water, which is an important resource. There are a couple of ways you can reduce the amount of water you use.
One option is a rainwater tank. These tanks collect rainwater that you can then use for flushing toilets, washing clothes, or watering your lawn.
Solar Panels
Another way to cut down on the electricity your home uses from the grid is to generate your own electricity with solar panels. In some cases, you may be able to get a tax credit in return for installing solar panels on your home. If you cannot afford panels for your entire roof, you can use them for something small like your water heater.
Start Planning Your Green Renovation Today
With these tips in mind, you can get started on a green renovation that will make your home more energy efficient.
Need more green energy tips? Contact us with your questions!
