When thinking about your next big renovation, more and more homeowners are turning to greener, eco-friendly techniques – to keep the environment clean while making their living spaces beautiful. However, since many renovations are anything but environmentally friendly, it’s important to do your research if you’re going that route.
Luckily, there are many options for eco-friendly home improvements that anyone can put into practice. If you’re looking to start on some updates in your house, here are our top green home renovation tips.
#1: Use Solar Power
It’s no secret that the sun holds a lot of power, and taking advantage of this renewable energy source can bring benefits to both you and the environment. Installing solar panels to your home provides electricity that will last much longer. If you’re looking to be a little more sustainable with minimal effort, solar power is a great choice. On top of helping the environment by conserving energy, it will also significantly reduce your electricity bill.
#2: Reuse and Recycle
There are tons of ways to incorporate recycling into your home renovation project, and retailers across the country are starting to get on board by offering pre-owned materials. You can purchase reclaimed materials that work just as well as brand new options, but help reduce waste and will save you some money, too. Almost anything can be reused, from windows made of recycled glass to discarded metal or salvaged wood, there’s something available for every type of project.
#3: Invest in Efficient Appliances
Looking to get some new appliances? Try opting for energy-efficient choices. Many devices will have the energy star logo, indicating that they more eco-friendly than traditional options. Refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, and almost every other appliance in your home can easily be swapped out for greener alternatives. Low-flow toilets are another smart choice in water conservation, and just like these other appliances, will help you save on your water bill.
#4: Refresh, Don’t Replace
When you renovate your home, it’s often because you want a whole new look. But instead of tearing our all of your cabinets and starting from scratch, and wasting all of those precious materials, try just adding a fresh coat of paint. Using what’s already there rather than bringing in brand new elements will help to reduce waste. If you do want to tear down that wall or change out the countertops, make an effort to repurpose items elsewhere.
#5: Keep Air Flow in Mind
The more air that’s kept inside, the better it is for the environment, and the more you’ll save on energy bills. Installing air barriers into your home helps to seal any cracks which keeps the elements out, and the climate-controlled air in. By using caulking or other material to seal the gaps at the edges of windows, doors, and in vents, an airtight seal is created. This makes the air inside your home cleaner, and more temperature-controlled, so you won’t need to crank the A/C during those hot summer months.
#6: Properly Protect Your Deck
Keeping your deck protected with the right waterproofing system is essential not only to keep your deck safe and looking great, but also to preserve resources. When you get the right waterproofing done, your deck will last much longer, meaning you won’t need to make additional repairs later on. This results in less energy and resources like wood and building materials being used, which reduces damage done to the environment.
To get the best results out of your home renovation, and ensure your waterproofing is done right the first time, it’s important to choose professionals who know what they’re doing. WICR’s specialists will be there every step of your project, while providing extensive knowledge on environmental impacts.
Being conscious of the environment while renovating your home may not be so difficult after all. Plus, it’s a smart move no matter how you look at it. You’ll be left with a more comfortable, beautiful and efficient home, while saving the environment at the same time.
