There are plenty of reasons to renovate your home. Some homeowners undertake projects to make their living space more comfortable.
Some do so in the hopes of impressing guests or netting a better asking price when selling.
Others renovate for sheer aesthetics – you spend an awful lot of time looking at your home’s interior, so you might as well make it attractive.
Then, there is remodelling for energy efficiency. The concept of efficiency improvements is a relatively new one, gaining popularity among owners eager to do their part against the ecological crisis.
As you will see below, it’s more than just a fad – it’s a smart, cost-effective way to approach renovating.
Why should you renovate for efficiency? What projects should you undertake?
And where should you start? In this short post, let’s answer a few key questions about energy-efficient remodels.
Why Renovate for Efficiency?
When it comes to remodelling for energy efficiency, there are three main motivating factors: environmental impact, cost savings, and coincident benefits.
Obviously, a key reason to go green is to help out the environment. By fine-tuning your house so that it requires less energy and resources, you alleviate some of the burden of residential greenhouse gas emissions.
By doing so, you also save money on that selfsame energy. A house that requires less heating, cooling and water is a house that pays less for hydroelectric bills.
Lastly, it’s important to note efficiency is not a mutually exclusive benefit.
Adding efficient features, like new windows and doors (more on that below), also makes your home more beautiful, welcoming, and comfortable.
Top Projects for Improving Energy Efficiency
Perhaps the best thing you can do to improve energy efficiency is to replace old windows and doors.
Inefficient windows and doors are responsible for nearly a third of all residential heating and cooling loss.
Replacing old, single-pane windows with high-performance double-glazed or triple-glazed products will have an immediate, significant impact on your house’s efficiency.
Best of all, you have several efficient window options to choose from – so you can easily get a style that fits your budget, taste and lifestyle.
Next, make small changes around the home. Switch your old halogen bulbs to long-lasting LED lights.
Replace old plumbing fixtures with low-flow alternatives like efficient showerheads and faucets. And, over time, replace appliances like your washing machine and oven with energy-saving models.
What to Look for in a Contractor or Product
To start, partner with a contractor or manufacturer committed to energy efficiency.
Find a window and door company that proudly produces and installs products for thermal insulation. Team with a plumber who can advise on the best low-flow products on the market.
As a guide when buying products, use the ENERGY STAR logo: It is a universally recognized stamp of efficiency approval, based on solid science.
To recap, efficiency projects are a wise choice. Not only do they save you money on monthly bills, but they are also a better environmental choice.
Start with window and door replacements, then move on to more minor upgrades like plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Team up with a dedicated contractor and, when in doubt, search for the ENERGY STAR logo. Happy renovating!