How To Make Your Home More Green Through Home Improvement Projects
Home improvement is a huge industry in the United States. More recently, home improvement has taken a more green turn. Many people now make home improvements designed to make their homes more energy efficient. This can significantly lower your home heating and energy payments. By following these simple tips, you can make small green renovations to your home, and drastically improve how your home interacts with the environment.
Ensure your attic, walls, and attached garages are all insulated well. This is particularly important, as it will prevent heat from escaping into the environment. When heat can escape from your house, your heating system has to continually work to keep the house heated. This is a colossal waste of energy, and can be a big waste of money, too.
Install a heating system that is more efficient. If you have oil heat, you are not only burning oil and producing emissions, but you also are paying to transport the oil to your house from the refinery. Consider using electric heat, or another heating system that you can pinpoint to a more local source.
Add solar panels onto your roof, if you have enough start up money. If you decide to go with solar panels, be sure that you choose a company that is reputable and looks a if it has a good reputation. If you choose a company that is not reputable, you may be disappointed with the way the panels turn out. Also, these companies may not last as long, and when you need your panels serviced, they will not be available to do it.
Replace old window with double or triple pane windows. These will better trap heat from the sun, and make it less likely that your windows will let heat from your house outside.
Repaint your walls with paint that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOC). These are better for the environment, and the atmosphere.
Install a rainwater collection system that will gather rainwater for other uses like watering plants
Fit your bathroom with short-flush toilets. Particularly popular in other countries like New Zealand, the short-flush option use less water to clear away waste. There is also a button for a regular flush, which allows for the normal strength flush.
Consider installing an under-the-counter recycling bin at your house if you also have an under-the-counter trash can. If you have the space and the desire, you can also utilize an under-the-counter compost bin for food waste, which will allow you to separate your garbage into more useful categories.
You can also consider installing a garden in your yard, to reduce the amount of energy that goes into your food, and utilize compost to cut down on the trash your produce per week.
Many people look to be more green in their everyday lives, and there is no method better than utilizing green technology in your home remodels. By following these simple tips, you can implement new, environmentally friendly technology in your house, and change the way you live in a way that is commensurate with your environmental values.
