For many people, just remodeling their home isn’t enough. They want an eco-friendly, green remodel. There are a lot of reasons why a green remodeling plan can be a great fit for you and your home. It can cut back on energy costs, protect the environment, and make future remodeling projects easier and less expensive. Many homeowners in the Portland suburbs are discovering the benefits of green remodeling. Without further ado, here are some tips from our experts at THE Remodel Group.
Replace Old Appliances
Aging appliances can be a significant source of energy drain. Your dishwasher from 2005 might still work well, but it likely uses much more water and electricity than a dishwasher from 2022 or even 2018. However, the biggest energy suckers are actually small appliances – microwaves, coffee makers, rice cookers, and more. All those small appliances can add up. Replacing your refrigerator with a more sustainable model can also help keep your energy bills lower. More efficient appliances can make a significant positive impact on the environment as well. If you’re interested in a green remodel, this is the place to start.
Let the Light In
While snow is rare in northwestern Oregon, the winters can still be dreary, with plenty of rain and fog, not to mention the chilly temperatures. High heat bills and electric payments can often come about because of a simple problem: a lack of natural lighting. New windows – double-paned to cut down on heat loss! – and skylights can make a dramatic difference. They’ll let more sunshine in, even during the winter months, and keep your home warmer than before. Natural lighting during the day also means less time with the lights on, cutting down on your electric bill even further. Letting the light in is another great green remodeling strategy.
Update Your Layout
Of course, natural light and heat don’t mean much if your home isn’t set up to properly capture it. Changing your layout around is a great way to not just make the most of natural light, but also heat your home more efficiently. Moving to a more open floor plan can help keep your home warm. The heat moves throughout your home, instead of being halted by closed doors, blocking walls, and awkward angles. Making changes to your layout can help keep your home warm during the winter and nice and cool during the summer, cutting down your bills and reducing your environmental footprint.
Green Landscaping
Your home is much more than just four walls and a roof! Watering your lawn is a beloved American pastime, but it can also drive your water bills through the roof, especially during a hot and dry summer. Replacing your grass with turf, woodchips, or even natural landscaping with native plants can make a huge difference. It’s both environmentally friendly – especially the native plants option – and can drastically reduce your bills. If you’re not ready to completely overhaul your outdoor spaces, there are smaller fixes you can make too. Removing or trimming trees that block windows can help warm cooler rooms, while strategically planting other trees can offer shade and cool spaces that are too warm. It all depends on what you need to feel comfortable in your home.
Fix Up Systems
In addition to more energy-efficient appliances, fixing up your home’s key systems can make a big difference for the environment too. A key green remodeling tip? Update your HVAC system and your water heater. Replacing these systems can take a while, but the reduction in your carbon footprint is worth it. If you’re less concerned with your carbon emissions and more worried about your pocketbook, have no fear. A new and efficient water heater or HVAC system can reduce your bills too.
Don’t Hate, Insulate
If you feel like you’re constantly turning the heat up and still shivering, the solution may lie inside your walls. Filling in gaps in your insulation can go a long way towards making your home more energy efficient and cutting down on heating and cooling costs. If you have fiberglass insulation, you might even consider updating your home with foam insulation instead. It lasts longer and can regulate your home’s temperature better.
No matter which steps you take towards making your home a little greener, don’t hesitate to contact our skilled team of professionals at THE Remodel Group. We can give you the home remodel you’ve always wanted, within your budget and on time.