Remodeling the home with eco design in mind is something everyone who cares about the environment should think about. It’s not necessarily a cheap exercise but, as well as doing your bit for the environment in general, you can save yourself a whole lot of money in the longer term.
Top of the list in green household renovations is ho w you power and heat your home. The energy demands of households in the developed world are a huge issue, since our dependence on oil and other non-renewable fuel resources is a both an ecological threat and a drain on the bank balance. We haven’t got past this one yet, but remodeling your home can cut your consumption and bills and shift part of your energy use to cleaner forms of energy.
Whether you are doing a major makeover or just greening your home step by step on a smaller scale, the key is good insulation that will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Eco-friendly insulating materials, some made from recycled materials, are widely available today. For a green remodel, it’s worth researching the options and spending a bit extra for eco-friendly and efficient options – they’ll last and you should soon recoup the costs.
Implementing a range of basic measures to insulate your home could save you a thousand dollars a year, or more. Insulating lofts and ceilings is vital because most heat is lost through the roof. Injecting cavity walls with an insulating material is a big job, but also something to think about. Heat reflective foil placed behind radiators on external walls can also make a small but significant difference. Making sure pipes and hot water cylinders are properly insulated is also key.
Windows and external walls are other significant sources of heat loss. Double-glazed windows help, as does thermal insulating film, but you might also consider a simpler solution. Thick curtains with thermal linings will do a lot to prevent further waste of precious heat. Eco design isn’t just about major rebuilds or pricey high tech solutions. A variety of strategies will all add up and help to cut heating and energy bills.
Solar panels cost money, but can offer significant savings, even in cooler, cloudier places. A big bonus is that any surplus you produce can be sold back to the national grid, offsetting your winter costs and your carbon footprint. Using green energy should always be coupled with eco-friendly appliances. Eco design and technology has made a host of ingenious energy saving appliances available, from washing machines to kettles, and from lighting to shower heads. When remodeling, it’s worth researching the fabulous range of clever eco design solutions available. With a bit of planning, greening your home and saving money is within your reach.