3 Smart Remodeling Tactics For A Greener Home

Remodeling your home takes a lot of planning and this is the best time to start integrating green ideas into your home remodeling plans.

Here are three suggestions on how to remodel while coming up with an energy efficient and sustainable home for you and your family.

Choose the best types of insulation

The right insulation helps you achieve a highly sustainable living condition.  Using the best insulating materials efficiently keep warm air from entering and circulating in your home.  In the summer months, you would, of course, prefer to retain cool air and a good insulator will help you achieve this.  Choosing the best kind isn’t enough though.  You must also ensure that you are using sufficient amounts of insulation to cover every nook and cranny of your living space.  Pay close attention to insulating jobs done on exterior walls. The best materials include fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam.  This is especially applicable for remodeling projects.  Ask the experts when choosing which type of insulation is best.  Each is measured through their R-value or resistance to heat flow.  The home’s structure, age, and location will have an impact on which R-value is appropriate for you.

Select energy-saving windows

The type of window you use has a great impact on your home’s overall efficiency.  But do not weigh solely on how efficient it is for there are available products that are not only efficient but also add beauty and value to your home.  If you go around scouting for windows that are energy efficient, you will notice that they come in a variety of design, color, frame, and material. Stores offer double and triple-pane windows that provide insulation in varying levels.  The position of your windows also matters a lot.  Study your home’s location and position windows to take advantage of natural light produced by the sun during daytime. Ask your contractor if it is possible to add more windows on that part of your home which gets optimum exposure from the sun.  By doing so, you save electricity as you won’t be using too much artificial lighting during the day.

Pick PV solar panels

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are a good option for those considering cutting down on energy costs while helping save mother earth.  Harnessing solar energy doesn’t compromise the environment.  Carbon footprint is zero, if not, negligible.  PV panels are intended to harness energy from the sun and likewise convert these into energy.  For as long as the sun is shining outside, the panels will produce energy for your home.  While it’s true that the prices of solar panels remain prohibitive, the cost of installing these may be eventually be recovered in the long term.

Summer’s still far off in the horizon but it’s wise to start planning on your green home remodeling now.  By doing so, you’ll have more time to carefully assess which green ideas you want to implement and which ones are affordable based on your budget.

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