10 Green Home Remodeling Ideas
Whether the aim is a reduction in lowering your energy bills or taking control of your carbon footprint, green home remodeling has never been easier. A green home remodel is an investment in your future.
Remodeling with the goal of creating a more eco-friendly space can reduce your energy costs, provide a more comfortable and cleaner lifestyle, and increase your home value all at the same time.
In this article, we provide ten eco-friendly home remodeling ideas for your living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.
Energy Efficient Upgrades
Some of the most effective upgrades you can make to your home during a remodel are your heating and cooling systems.
Smart HVAC
A Smart HVAC system is designed to allow homeowners ultimate control of their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This type of system incorporates all smart components including an HVAC unit, thermostats, sensors, and vents. This allows you to independently heat or cool specific rooms in your home allowing more control of your energy usage.
Insulation
Being able to keep your home warm in the colder months while also keeping the heat at bay in the summer, with proper insulation techniques can lower your household’s energy requirements and costs.
Here are a few easy home remodeling ideas that can help maintain the desired ambient temperature with less energy consumption:
- Upgrade to dual-paned windows
- Increase insulation in the walls and attic
- Choose a more energy-efficient roof when re-roofing
- Install attic vents and cooling fans in the roof
Solar
Going solar is a big decision, but a very earth-friendly one. For exploring solar options, there are a number of local resources. To get started, EcoWatch provides this solar cost calculator. Simply enter your zip code for an estimate of representative savings where you live. Sonoma County residents will find the county’s Energy and Sustainability Division’s resource page helpful.
Green Living Room Remodeling Ideas
As one of the most used spaces in your home, your living room offers many opportunities for improvement when thinking about ways to make your home more eco-friendly during a remodeling project.
Reclaimed Flooring
A great way to go green is with reclaimed materials. Using reclaimed boards for flooring, as it happens, is trending. Learn more in this recent DRF flooring trends post.
Fireplace insert
For homes with fireplaces, converting to a gas fireplace insert can drastically cut down on carbon emissions. Inserts are also more efficient, so more heat is produced with less energy. That’s good for the planet and saves money.
Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans in your home is a great energy-efficient remodeling idea. Adding a ceiling fan to your living room during a remodel is one of the most efficient ways to maximize the airflow throughout your home and reduce your energy usage.
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
In addition to being a hub of family activity, your kitchen is grand central for large appliances that account for much of a household’s energy consumption.
Energy Efficient Kitchen Lighting Upgrades
Upgrading your kitchen lighting with LEDs will help you conserve energy and save money in the long run. Installing an LED light/fan fixture can provide better ventilation and keep the kitchen cooler, even while cookies are baking in the oven.
Another energy-efficient lighting solution to consider for your kitchen remodel is the addition of a new skylight. Installing a kitchen skylight will provide natural lighting during the day, reducing your energy costs. Natural sunlight can also help add a relaxing ambiance to a typically busy room in your home, like a kitchen.
Electric, Energy Star Appliances
This may be obvious by now, but upgrading appliances with energy-efficient models can save a great deal of energy usage. In fact, many utility companies offer rebates for switching. Electric stoves have zero emissions and electricity can be generated from sustainable sources. Many prefer cooking with gas because of the direct heat and even cooking, but installing an induction stove surface addresses this issue while sticking with electricity.
Pro tip: Sonoma County residents may borrow an induction hot plate from Sonoma Clean Power to test it out before deciding to make the switch.
Green Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Even though your bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms of the house, there are plenty of ways to save resources with a remodel. These bathroom remodeling ideas will help you save water and energy.
Tankless Water Heater
The gallons of water that go down the drain, while waiting for it to reach the desired temperature, represents one of the biggest sources of indoor water waste. Investing in a tankless water heater has the advantage of saving water and energy by providing hot water on demand.
Windows
Adding a window to a bathroom during a remodel will not only provide great natural lighting, but it will also provide incredibly effective ventilation. By adding a window, you will be able to naturally draw out moisture and unpleasant odors. This will reduce the need for a fan, lowering your energy usage, as well as improving the air quality by reducing the need for artificial air fresheners.
Choose an Experienced, Local Home Remodeling Contractor
If you’re ready to embark on a green home remodel, it’s time to find an experienced, local builder, who can add value to your home and your life. At DRF Builders, we have been helping homeowners remodel their homes with energy efficiency and sustainable practices in mind since 2009. Our team can help you find the most eco-friendly and cost-effective home remodeling solutions for your needs.
If you’ve been considering a green home remodeling project, learn what our expertise can do for you by contacting us online today.
