Give The Environment A Little Love – Green Remodeling in San Diego
You can lower the environmental footprint of your home with some easy remodeling upgrades.
Aside from the occasional tornado, hurricane and earthquake, Mother Nature has been pretty good to us. She gives us sunshine, rain, trees, and a bounty of crops and minerals. We haven’t always been so good at giving that love back. San Diegans, however, are getting on board the environmental train.
Our homes require a lot of resources and energy to function. Therefore, they offer a big opportunity if you are interested in lowering your impact on the environment. A home remodel is a great excuse to also upgrade the green standard of your home. As another bonus, being more green usually means saving more green too.
There is no one standard way to make your home “green”. Rather, there are many different ways that you can lower the energy needs of your home, responsibly use materials and help your house function more efficiently. Below is a list of the five most popular and easy ways to green your home during a remodel. If you’d like a more complete list, then please contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Insulation
If your home is poorly insulated, the cold or heat from the outdoors could easily get into your home. This forces your heating or air conditioning system to kick on more often to keep your home comfortable. These systems require a lot of energy and result in a big energy bill at the end of the month. Just by asking your remodeler to re-insulate your home, you could drastically increase its energy efficiency. When your house remains cool during the summer or warm during the winter, you won’t have to use your heater or air conditioning nearly as much. This will save energy and money. Ask your remodeler about using insulation made from recycled materials.
Windows
Windows are another area that has a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency. Windows that are old or ill-fitted will let out air conditioning or heated air and let the outside elements in. If your windows are old, or if you can feel cold air leaking in during winter, it’s time to upgrade them. I suggest a high-quality dual-paned window that provides extra insulation. These types of windows can even help mute outdoor noises, so you won’t be as bothered by garbage trucks, the nearby train or your loud neighbors.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
The appliances in your home suck up a lot of energy. If you are planning on remodeling your kitchen, consider paying a little extra for an energy-efficient refrigerator and dishwasher. Why not splurge on an energy-efficient washer and dryer as well? If you are remodeling a bathroom, choose a low-flush toilet, which uses significantly less water than a typical toilet. One easy way to find energy efficient appliances is to visit the Energy Star website at www.EnergyStar.com to find a list of products that have earned the Energy Star label.
Recycled or Renewable Materials
Remodeling any room in your home means choosing new materials and furnishings. Consider picking renewable or recycled materials if possible. For instance, you can choose FSC-certified wood for your flooring, cabinets, patio or deck. FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council , a nonprofit agency that certifies wood that comes from responsibly managed forests
Solar Panels and Solar Water Heater
The majority of electricity is created by burning coal, which releases a large amount of pollutants in the air. Rather than rely on a shrinking supply of fossil fuels, why not rely on the sun to provide your home with energy? Sunlight is free, abundant and doesn’t release any toxins into the air. Solar panel technology continues to improve. While the panels themselves can be costly, you may be able to get a rebate or write some of the costs off on your taxes. You will also be able to drastically lower your energy bills each month. Solar water heaters can heat the water in your home without the use of electricity. Again, they require an upfront investment, but they may eventually pay themselves off through lower energy bills. The real payoff however, is in knowing you are helping to preserve the resources of the planet.
It’s best to speak to a remodeling contractor about how you can make your home more green. A skilled remodeling contractor, like Best-Rate Remodel can provide a wide range of green remodeling ideas to fit your home, budget and specific needs. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today.