Nov
16
An increasing number of homeowners are choosing to incorporate green improvements as they remodel or update their homes. Of course, taking steps to reduce one’s carbon footprint is commendable, but families are not choosing to go green just because it is beneficial to the environment. What is truly driving the green movement in the average consumer market is the fact that going green saves money. Green homes are more energy efficient than traditional homes. They cost less to heat and cool than other homes. Water use is reduced, and there are additional cost-saving benefits associated with green homes. For that reason, many homeowners are choosing to make their homes more eco-friendly. Below are five ways the average homeowner can convert his home to a green home.
New Appliances
Energy Star appliances are an excellent way to reduce power consumption and save money. These green appliances are sometimes a bit more expensive than traditional appliances, but this extra cost is quickly recouped. Lower energy consumption means lower power bills. Virtually any appliance from washing machine to refrigerators has an Energy Star version.
Insulation
Keeping conditioned air inside a home is essential to reducing a home’s carbon footprint. Using green insulation techniques as well as installing new insulated windows and sealing any cracks around the door frames will prevent heated or cooled air from being lost. Most energy waste within a home comes from improper insulation.
Natural Light
Taking advantage of natural light is not only a green way to save money, it also improves the overall aesthetic of the home. Large floor to ceiling windows and skylights open the home up, and make smaller homes appear much larger. Allowing natural light into the home allows homeowners to grow their own vegetables and herbs in their kitchen. There is nothing greener than growing your own food.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is an often-overlooked aspect of green home remodeling, but potable water shortages are a pressing concern for many environmentalists. Low flow toilets and appliances are an excellent way to conserve water and lower the water utility bill. Installing an on demand water heater ensures that only water that is needed is heated. There is no need for a water tank. The water is heated as it flows through the pipe.
The Roof
Most people think of utilizing their roofs to install solar panels, but there are other green options such as a green roof or a cool roof.
Solar panels are an excellent way to supplement a home’s overall energy consumption. In recent years, solar panel installation has become increasingly affordable for the average homeowner. The increases in solar technology have made solar panels remarkably easy to install and maintain.
A cool roof is in many ways the opposite of solar roof. It is designed to reflect light rather than absorb light. These light colored roofs are ideal for tropical and subtropical climates where houses are cooled more than heated. They are not necessarily suitable for colder climates.
Green roofs or planted roofs are a new and innovative way to reduce a home’s overall heat signature and take advantage of a previously unused space. Roofs are planted with seed. This green area on top of the house provides an extra layer of insulation. Many people take the opportunity to use their roofs as a garden area by planting flowers, herbs, and other easy to maintain plants.
Converting a home to utilize green techniques is not an all or nothing proposition. Homeowners can incorporate as many or as few green energy saving techniques as they like. Whether a homeowner wishes to do a full green remodel or simply buy new appliances, the choice is theirs alone. Any effort to make a home more environmentally friendly and energy efficient is an improvement.
Visit Earthsavers for more green and recycling tips or Nashville recycling pickup services.
